130 THE AVIATION HISTORIAN Issue No 22
T
HE SOVIET UNION’S Mil Mi-10 and the
USA’s Sikorsky CH-54 Tarhe military
helicopters are notable in being able to
bridge and carry interchangeable loads in
the style of Gerry Anderson’s TV science-
fiction creation Thunderbird 2. The Kaman
K-MAX is the only modern helicopter that can
boast a similar configuration.
The insectoid Tarhe, with its distinctive central
hoist controlled from a rear-facing cockpit,
served the American forces with distinction
during the Vietnam conflict. Its tried-and-
trusted versatility continues to make the civil
variant, the S-64 Skycrane, ideal for heavylift
and firefighting operations; reportedly, more
than 50 of the 103 Tarhe/Skycranes produced
by Sikorsky are airworthy today, with demand
for the type increasing. Some 15 examples
have been preserved, showing a remarkable
survival rate for this Vietnam veteran.
The type certificate has been held by
Erickson Air-Crane since 1992, but, in Yuba
City in Northern California, Siller Helicopters
provide full-service maintenance for Sky-
cranes and Sikorsky Sea Kings. Hence, in this
agricultural area, Siller maintains a minor
“boneyard” and welcomes polite visitors.
Ever turned a corner to find something unexpected? The Aviation Historian’s intrepid aeronautical explorer
PETER DAVISONPETER DAVISONPETER DAVISON investigates the stories behind the oddities that turn up in t investigates the stories behind the oddities that turn up in t investigates the stories behind the oddities that turn up in t investigates the stories behind the oddities that turn up in the most unusual places.. .he most unusual places...
PHOTOGRAPHS BY THE AUTHOR
BELOW In the comparatively jolly colours of Siller
Helicopters is CH-54A Tarhe c/n 64013, originally
66-18411, later N2268L. To get a bird’s-eye view of
this insect graveyard on Google Earth, enter the co-
ordinates N39.0977, W121.7202 into the Search box.
TAH
Off the beaten trackOff the beaten trackOff the beaten trackOff the beaten trackOff the beaten trackOff the beaten trackOff the beaten trackOff the beaten trackOff the beaten trackOff the beaten trackOff the beaten trackOff the beaten trackOff the beaten track
With everything of possible use as spares removed, Sikorsky CH-54A Tarhe c/n 64031 looks even
more insect-like than when complete. Built for the US Army as 67-18429, this helicopter was later
given the American civil registration N429C and sold to Siller Helicopters of Yuba City, where it
resides in the company’s “boneyard”. Note how the original outriggers, now rare and valuable
items, have been replaced with simple girders.
The Skycrane can operate in reduced visibility
with more accuracy than a fixed-wing fire-
bomber, so around densely-forested regions
and nations with low rainfall this veteran of
the skies is often a first responder, helping to
preserve woodlands and property and reduce
CO 2 by saving trees and reducing damaging
smoke emissions.