Sikorsky S-64 Helicopter - Fire Tank
ICM 53202

S-64 Helicopter Firefighting Tank

The ICM S-64 Helicopter Fire Tank is a kit featuring a specialized firefighting tank designed for the Sikorsky S-64 helicopter. This model allows you to equip the S-64 with gear characteristic of aircraft used to fight large-scale fires. The kit contains 73 parts, and the assembled tank model measures approximately 155 × 66 mm. The tank is a standalone kit—the S-64 helicopter is not included.

Kit Contents

• S-64 firefighting tank model,
• 73 plastic parts,
• assembly instructions,
• painting guide.

Required Paints

• 1001 – White
• 1002 – Black
• 1007 – Deep Red
• 1023 – Aluminium
• 1026 – Oily Steel
• 1028 – Offwhite
• 1039 – Rubber Black
• 1045 – Medium Orange

Model

The kit replicates the distinctive tank designed to be slung beneath the S-64 helicopter. Its design allows for the rapid intake and precise release of large quantities of water or fire-extinguishing agents. The model includes, among other components, the tank, its operating mechanism, and parts of the water intake system.

Once mounted beneath the S-64 model, the tank significantly alters its appearance, creating the distinctive configuration of a firefighting helicopter. The kit can be used to create a scene depicting the aircraft in action during firefighting operations or prepared for its next flight.

Painting and assembly

This model requires assembly and painting. Glue and paints are not included in the kit and must be purchased separately. Plastic model cement and appropriate modeling paints are required to complete the model.

Markings

As the kit focuses on the helicopter's equipment, it does not include specific livery options for a particular aircraft. The tank can be used with a suitably built S-64 model in a firefighting configuration.

The S-64 helicopter and its firefighting system

The Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane was originally developed as a heavy-lift transport helicopter designed for tasks requiring significant lifting capacity and high precision in load handling. Its distinctive design, featuring an open space beneath the fuselage, allowed for the easy slinging and transport of large loads. Over time, the S-64 also found application in specialized rescue and firefighting missions.

Versions designed for firefighting were equipped with a special tank with a capacity of approximately 10,000 liters. The system allows for the dropping of water, foam, or fire retardant directly onto the area affected by the fire.

One of the system's key advantages is the ability to refill the tank in flight. The S-64 can use a special "pond snorkel"—a flexible hose that draws water from relatively shallow bodies of water—or a "sea snorkel" designed to scoop water from the sea surface or large open waters. This eliminates the need for the helicopter to return to base after every drop.

The system allows for the delivery of up to approximately 114,000 liters of water per hour to the fire site. Mechanically operated tank doors enable either a full drop or a more precise, partial release of the load, depending on the situation and the nature of the operation.

Firefighting versions of the S-64 helicopter are used in many countries, including Italy, Greece, Turkey, South Korea, Australia, and the United States. One Australian aircraft gained particular fame under the nickname "Eric The Water Bomber." S-64s are also utilized by U.S. firefighting agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service and the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The ICM kit allows for the accurate reproduction of one of the S-64's most distinctive pieces of specialized equipment and is designed primarily to be paired with a model of the helicopter itself.