Sikorsky S-61

The Sikorsky S-61 helicopter is a civilian variation on the military SH-3 Sea King helicopter. Primary uses for the S-61 include firefighting and construction. On August 5, 2008, an S-61 in service with Carson Helicopters Inc. crashed in northern California.

Fast Facts

1. First prototype flight: March 11, 1959¹
2. Civilian version initial flight on December 6, 1960¹
3. Empty weight: 13,341 lbs.²
4. Max gross weight: 22,050 lbs.^{2 3}
5. Max altitude: 17,500 feet²
6. Max air speed: 143 knotts²(267 mph)⁴
7. Fuel capacity: 683 gallons²
8. Continuous power: 2,100 horsepower²
9. Requires two person crew²
10. Total of 10 rotor blades (main and tail)²

Background

Initially designed for the U.S. Navy under a different name, the civilian Sikorsky S-61 became the helicopter of choice for presidents and high-end civilian uses around the world. Initial civilian use ranged from airport terminal transportation to theme parks such as Disnleyland.^{1 3}

Categories