Erickson Debuts Composite Main Rotor Blades

PR83140

PORTLAND, Oregon, March 3, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

-- THE S-64 AIR CRANE(R) AND CH-54 SKYCRANE FLEETS WILL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

INNOVATIVE COMPOSITE TECHNOLOGIES

Erickson Incorporated, the leading operator, maintainer, and manufacturer of

utility aircraft, today announced FAA approval of its next-generation composite

main rotor blades.

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After many years of manufacturing metal blades, Erickson has invested in the future

of the S-64 rotorcraft by designing, certifying, and building composite main rotor blades

that will bring many dramatic benefits. Erickson began the process of designing

the new blades in 2008, working closely with the FAA and various industry partners.

In 2013 Erickson collaborated with Helicopter Transport Services (HTS), so the blades

could be utilized on CH-54 rotorcraft as well. To maintain close control of blade manufacture,

Erickson built a composite manufacturing facility from scratch in 2015. After thousands of

hours of design, testing, and analysis by Erickson's engineers and partners, the new composite

main rotor blades are now approved by the FAA for the S-64E with an initial life that will increase

as fatigue testing continues. Certification for the CH-54A is expected to follow quickly in

the coming weeks, and certification for the S-64F and CH-54B is expected this summer.

"The CMRB program shows our commitment to innovation and next-generation

programs for the modernization of the S-64 Air Crane(R) helicopter and legacy

fleet. As an OEM provider and air operator, Erickson continues to push the

envelope to find new and reliable solutions to keep our customers flying

longer, safer, and always for the best price."

– Doug Kitani, CEO

About Erickson

Erickson is a leading global provider of aviation services specializing in defense

and national security, manufacturing, Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO),

and Civil services. Erickson Manufacturing and MRO services include manufacturing

the S-64 Air Crane(R) helicopter as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM)

as well as manufacturing key aerospace parts for aerospace OEMs. Commercial aerial

services include the operation of 20 Erickson owned and operated S-64 Air Crane(R)

helicopters to perform firefighting, powerline construction, timber harvesting, HVAC,

and specialized heavy-lift for oil and gas. Founded in 1971, Erickson is headquartered

in Portland, Oregon, USA, and maintains operations in North America, South America,

Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Australia.

For more information on our products and services visit, ericksoninc.com

SOURCE Erickson Incorporated

CONTACT: pr@ericksoninc.com, Phone: +1.503.505.5801