Sikorsky S-60

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S-60
Sikorsky S-60 empty weight.jpg
The Sikorsky S-60
Role Cargo helicopter
Manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft
First flight25 March 1959
StatusCrashed in April 1961
Number built1
Developed from Sikorsky CH-37 Mojave
Developed into Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane

The Sikorsky S-60 helicopter, a prototype "flying crane", was derived from the S-56 in 1958. Proving to be underpowered, the development of the S-60 led to the larger, turbine-engined Sikorsky CH-54 Tarhe military transport helicopter, and its civil S-64 Skycrane variant, which were already on the drawing board by the time the sole example of the S-60 crashed on 3 April 1961. [1]

Contents

Like the S-56/H-37 it was powered by two Wasp radial piston engines, but it had a radically differentf fuselage; rather then a fixed cabin it only had a cockpit and an open area in which pods with different tasks could be carried. Although it did not enter service, it was evaluated by the U.S. Army and Navy, and lead further development of this concept.

Design and development

In 1958, Sikorsky began designing the S-60 as a prototype "flying crane" helicopter. The S-60 utilized the transmission, rotor system and piston engines from the CH-37/S-56. [2] [3]

The fuselage of the S-60 was a simple "pod-and-boom" design with the engines mounted in side pods and long tailwheel-style landing gear that allowed it to straddle cargoes. The crew cabin was mounted in the nose, with aft-mounted controls for the co-pilot to use during loading and unloading operations. The S-60 had an automatic stabilization system to allow it to hover precisely, using inputs from a sidestick controller. Up to 12,000 pounds (5,400 kg) of outsized cargo such as vehicles could be slung beneath the boom, while passengers and other cargo could be carried in a large interchangeable pod that attached to the fuselage. [2] [3]

Operational history

S-60 with mine-sweeping equipment Sikorsky S-60 with minesweeping gear.jpg
S-60 with mine-sweeping equipment

The S-60 (registered N807) first flew on March 25, 1959. The helicopter accumulated 333 hours of flight in its two-year flight career, and was evaluated by the US Navy, with demonstrations also flown for the US Army. While effective in its designed role, the helicopter proved to be underpowered. Sikorsky was already working on an enlarged, turboshaft-powered successor, the Model S-64, which was ordered into production for the US Army as the Sikorsky CH-54 Tarhe. [2] [3]

Igor Sikorsky was fully involved in the development of the prototype S-60, from the initial design through flight testing. It was one of the last aircraft to have this distinction. The prototype crashed in April 1961. [4]

Survivor

The wreckage of the S-60 was transferred to the New England Air Museum in the 1970s, and is currently being restored by its new owners, the Connecticut Air and Space Center, in Stratford, Connecticut. [5]

Specifications (S-60)

The S-60 after lifting a damaged HSS-1 to NAS Quonset Point, 1960. Sikorsky S-60 with S-58 at NAS Quonset Point 1960.jpg
The S-60 after lifting a damaged HSS-1 to NAS Quonset Point, 1960.

Data from The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft [2]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

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References

Notes
  1. "Occurrence #70643: Sikorsky S-60 crash: 3 April 1961." Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved: 14 June 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Donald 1997, p.?
  3. 1 2 3 Harding 1997, p. 237.
  4. Warbird Information Exchange
  5. "S-60 Prototype SkyCrane." cascstratford.wordpress.com. Retrieved: 23 November 2010.
Bibliography