Today I've been reading up on heavy lifting helicopters, and based on my research so far, there have been three particular stand outs.
I have downloaded the side on specification images for each chopper, they are of public domain copyright; available for anybody to use. I have then done my best to replicate them on a scale (1cm = 2.5m) in photoshop to depict there comparative size.
Introducing the first pick, the Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane. The smaller of the bunch, however it was specifically designed to save lives as opposed to dispatching soldiers or military equipment much like the latter. The S-64 is an American twin engine heavy lifting helicopter, it has gained notorious fame over here in Australia as a very valuable bush fire fighting behemoth.
During December 2001 "Elvis" the sky crane, having only arrived in Melbourne, was immediately dispatched to New South Whales to assist with fighting the onslaught of fire surrounding Sydney. During its time, its been accredited helping save nearly 300 homes, and saving the lives of 14 firemen in the Burragorang Valley. I found this nice closeup footage on you tube of the sky crane in action.
Second in line the Boeing CH-47 Chinook, was chosen because of its distinctive look. The twin engine tandem rotor heavy lift chopper is a Vietnam war icon. Even with its aging retro appearance, it was faster than many attack helicopters in its era, and many choppers this day and age. Rated number 7 on Discovery Channels Top 10: Helicopters documentary, please watch the clip below for further detail.
The third helicopter I found stood out with good reason. The Soviet / Russian Mil Mi-26 heavy transport helicopter is the biggest and most powerful helicopter in service fulfilling both military and civilian roles. -Matt
Unknown Author (Febuary 12th, 2007). Biggest Helicopter. Unknown [online] Youtube; courtesy of user: abhikaushikin. Available from: SOURCE [Accessed 14 July 2009].
Unknown Author (April 17th, 2007). Erickson Skycrane. Unknown [online] Youtube; courtesy of user: applepiemac. Available from: SOURCE [Accessed 14 July 2009].
Discovery Channel (April 11th, 2007). Top 10: Helicopters - CH-47 Chinook(No.7) Discovery Channel [online] Youtube; courtesy of user: 7dc. Available from: SOURCE [Accessed 14 July 2009].
Second in line the Boeing CH-47 Chinook, was chosen because of its distinctive look. The twin engine tandem rotor heavy lift chopper is a Vietnam war icon. Even with its aging retro appearance, it was faster than many attack helicopters in its era, and many choppers this day and age. Rated number 7 on Discovery Channels Top 10: Helicopters documentary, please watch the clip below for further detail.
The third helicopter I found stood out with good reason. The Soviet / Russian Mil Mi-26 heavy transport helicopter is the biggest and most powerful helicopter in service fulfilling both military and civilian roles. -Matt
Unknown Author (Febuary 12th, 2007). Biggest Helicopter. Unknown [online] Youtube; courtesy of user: abhikaushikin. Available from: SOURCE [Accessed 14 July 2009].
Unknown Author (April 17th, 2007). Erickson Skycrane. Unknown [online] Youtube; courtesy of user: applepiemac. Available from: SOURCE [Accessed 14 July 2009].
Discovery Channel (April 11th, 2007). Top 10: Helicopters - CH-47 Chinook(No.7) Discovery Channel [online] Youtube; courtesy of user: 7dc. Available from: SOURCE [Accessed 14 July 2009].
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