Remarks: Just getting ready to take on water from a small beaver pond just to East side of Highway 395 to the South of Doyle while fighting the "Constantia" fire. I do wish I would have brought my earplugs though!!
Remarks: One can't look at a Tarhe without wondering when it was in service with the US Army if it dropped a "Daisycutter" BLU-82 in Vietnam. The 15,000 lb bombs were used to clear jungle landing zones. Only Charlie-130s and CH-54s could lug the massive conventional ordnance.
Remarks: CH-54A (H54A) Tarhe "Sky Crane" on display at the US Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis, VA. Designed to carry loads externally, the rear facing pilot seat provided a clear view of the hoist and cargo during pickups and deliveries, all of which were done without landing. A lightweight van, called a "universal pod", could be attached to the fuselage and carried 24 litters plus 15 seats, or 45 troops. Particularly suited for recovering downed aircraft and sling lifting oversized and heavy cargo, the CH-54 was nicknamed the "Sky Crane." It served in Vietnam with the 478th Aviation Company 1966-1968. The US Army purchased 28 of the Sikorsky twin turbo-shaft heavy-lift Tarhes through 1968.
Remarks: The Sikorsky CH-54A Skycrane was capable of lifting and transporting heavy cargo such as tanks, downed aircraft, and troop carriers. This helicopter is on display at the US Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis, VA.
Remarks: Three out of the four Skycranes currently at Falcon Field are seen in this shot. From left to right are: CH-54B N716HT from Helicopter Transport Services, CH-54A N44094 from Heavy Lift Helicopters, and CH-54A N154AC from Erickson Air Crane.
