The Sikorsky S-64 SkyCrane design was adopted by the military early in May, 1962. It soon received the designation CH-54 Tarhe and became one of the United States Army's most invaluable behind-the-scenes aircraft of all time. Essentially nothing but a cockpit, rotor, and fuselage, the CH-54 could pick up heavier loads than any other helicopter, and became the hero of the Vietnam-era United States Taxpayer. The CH-54 alone saved 210 million dollars worth of 380 downed aircraft, all of which were repaired and thrown back into service.
Sikorsky developed the S-64 Skycrane as a civilian heavy lift helicopter. Unsurprisingly, its ability to carry nine metric tonne loads and its design which was intended to maximize pilot efficiency when delivering off or picking up loads was incredibly appealing to the United States Army. When the S-64 was first inducted into service in the US Army, the Army started off with tentatively light loads, and as they grew more conditioned to its power, its load was upgraded to crates, artillery, jeeps, troops, and even patrol boats. When the Vietnam war arrived, the S-64 (by now designated the CH-54A Tarhe after an aboriginal chief) served as a tactical transport and cargo helicopter. Operating from forward bases, Tarhes were sent on relatively "safe" missions, and while they frequently strayed near enemy territory, the loss rate was relatively low, due to fighter cover and the ease of which it could be maintained.
The Tarhe was a relatively simple aircraft to repair because Sikorsky deliberately neglected to cover the fuselage and the dual Pratt & Whittney T-73-P-700 engines. By exposing them in this way, the aircraft creates more drag, but the designers of cargo helicopters are more concerned with carrying capacity than speed. The Tarhe only had a top speed of 169 KmH and a range of 370 Km. Although the lack of a fuselage makes the Tarhe appear as half a helicopter, a pod, or a deployed command center/field hospital may be carried. Although the latter two cargoes may be carried, the pod itself was designed exclusively for the Tarhe. The pod was intended for transporting 45 troops. Due to the need to keep the space under the CH-54 vacant to accommodate loads, a traditional undercarriage cannot be mounted on the lower fuselage. Instead, two leg struts extend far out on either side to brace the aircraft in a landing. The legs are mounted far apart to ensure all possible loads may still be carried.
Even if a load is too awkward to fit under the aircraft, for example, a CH-54A was once tasked with transporting two UH-1 Hueys at once, the cargo (in this case both Hueys) will be lashed to a very strong "hook" positioned in the middle of the fuselage. Sikorsky also made sure that every major component (and even some minor components, such as parts of the fuselage) was easy to remove and replace. For example, if the cabin took fire from a NVA Mig-17 which punctured the cabin, it would be detached from the aircraft and an identical unit would replace it. These features ensured the Tarhe would not only perform well, but always be available no matter what happened. A clear glass position was stationed at the back of the cockpit, allowing the pilots to observe the load they were trying to attach to their aircraft. In addition to these features, Tarhes stationed in remote areas, such as Alaska, utilized skis instead of wheels to operate from ice-covered landing sites. Also added to improve performance in remote locations were drop tanks which extended the range of the craft.
Despite being the US Army's "U-Haul" helicopter, it was used to lift very unconventional loads in its career due to its extreme weight carrying capabilities. The most bizarre of these loads was by far the BLU-82 bomb, which the aircraft not only transported, but actually dropped. The Tarhe was utilized as a helicopter bomber since the BLU-82 weighed about 4536 Kg, about half the weight the CH-54A could carry and more than most helicopters could lift. The BLU-82 was used to make clearings where helicopters could land, or artillery could be placed, etc. The CH-54's most important task in Vietnam (in addition to transporting cargo) was recovering crashed aircraft. Downed F-4 Phantoms, A-7s and F-8s were in abundance. CH-54s would be directed to crash sites, and while A-1 Skyraiders or fighters provided cover, the Tarhe would be used to lift the aircraft back to a US controlled base.
The upgraded CH-54B Tarhe was delivered to the United States Armed Forces in late 1969. Twelve imperial tons may be carried by the CH-54B into battle, an increase from the previous variants 10 ton limit. CH-54s were slowly replaced by the more versatile CH-47 Chinook helicopter and the CH-53E Sea Stallion. Remarkably, some of the CH-54s still survive today, although they have been incorporated into performing civilian duties.
Written by: Pace51