Sikorsky S-64 - Helicopter Crew (3 Figures)
ICM 53103

S-64 Skycrane Helicopter Crew

ICM's S-64 Helicopter Crew is a set of three detailed figures depicting the crew of the Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane heavy-lift helicopter. The kit contains 18 parts and allows you to assemble the three-person crew responsible for piloting the aircraft and performing precision operations during underslung load transport.

Kit Contents

• 3 S-64 crew figures,
• 18 plastic parts,
• assembly instructions,
• painting guide.

Figures and Equipment

The set features three crew members in various poses and equipment configurations. Two pilots are designed for placement in the forward cockpit, while the third figure represents the operator at the rear control station characteristic of the S-64 helicopter.

The figures are equipped with items such as flight helmets and personal gear. The instructions allow for alternative color schemes for specific uniform and equipment elements.

Required Paints

The following colors are required to paint the figures:

• 1001 – White
• 1002 – Black
• 1007 – Deep Red
• 1024 – Silver
• 1040 – Beige
• 1044 – Basic Skin Tone
• 1045 – Medium Orange
• 1067 – Dark Green
• 1073 – 460 Olive Green

Paints and glue are not included in the kit. The models are designed for self-assembly and painting. Plastic model glue is required for assembly, and appropriate model paints are needed for the finish. The instructions also allow for the use of varnishes to achieve a matte, satin, or glossy finish.

Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane

The Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane was developed as an evolution of the experimental S-60 helicopter. Unlike conventional transport helicopters, it featured a distinctive fuselage—lacking a large cabin—designed primarily for carrying underslung loads. This configuration provided the crew with excellent visibility of the load and enabled precise maneuvering.

The S-64 prototype made its maiden flight on May 9, 1962. The helicopter was powered by two Pratt & Whitney JFTD-12 turbine engines. The design quickly attracted the interest of the United States Army, which ordered six aircraft for testing and evaluation. The military version was designated the CH-54A Tarhe, and the helicopters were used for tasks such as transporting heavy equipment and recovering damaged aircraft.

One of the S-64's most distinctive features was the ability to control the helicopter from a rear-facing station. An operator positioned at the rear of the aircraft had a direct view of the underslung load through a special window and could precisely control its position during attachment and transport.

The civil variant of the S-64 found widespread use beyond the military. These helicopters were employed for transporting heavy structural components, power line work, logging operations, as well as rescue and firefighting missions. In 1992, the rights to the design and the type certificate were acquired by Erickson, which began modernizing and continuing the operation of the S-64 as the Air Crane.

Modern S-64s are primarily used for tasks requiring high lifting capacity and precision. These helicopters have participated in operations such as extinguishing massive forest fires, transporting heavy infrastructure components, and construction work. Thanks to its distinctive design and ability to operate with heavy underslung loads, the S-64 remains one of the most remarkable heavy-lift helicopters.

This figure set allows you to add a crew to S-64 Skycrane models and depict the helicopter in a more realistic operational scene. It can also serve as a standalone small diorama showing personnel preparing the aircraft for a mission.