PORTLAND, ORE. – Erickson Incorporated, a worldwide leading operator, maintainer, and manufacturer of utility aircraft, announces the delivery of the newest S-64 Air Crane® helicopter to their partners at Korea Forest Service (KFS) in South Korea. The aircraft, dubbed “K-9” by Erickson associates, furthers Erickson’s global mission of protecting life and property from wildfires.
Over a 20-year relationship with KFS, Erickson has produced eight S-64 Air Crane® helicopters in support of KFS operations. In 2001, KFS was the first foreign government to purchase an S-64 Air Crane®. From that point forward, Erickson and KFS partnered to establish and grow an exemplary firefighting and emergency response team. A recent initiative that epitomizes KFS firefighting strategy employs fire extinguishing technology, nighttime operations, and deployment of aerial firefighting agents.
“The S-64 is paramount to Korea Forest Service’s mission, and we are thankful for the opportunity to add to their fleet of Air Crane helicopters,” said Erickson Vice President of Marketing, Business Development, and Sales Ryan Perkins.
The recently delivered aircraft, accepted by KFS on December 3, 2022, began production in January of 2020 at Erickson’s
manufacturing facilities in southern Oregon. The manufacturing process persisted amid worldwide supply chain shortages, shipping obstacles, and logistics impediments.
“This aircraft is representative of Erickson’s ability to meet customer needs in trying times, and our team did a phenomenal job,” said Perkins.
Jeff Mecklenburg, Vice President, Aerosystems also commented on the dedication of the Erickson team, “The Erickson team was able to adapt to unforeseen circumstances to produce a superior aircraft. We look forward to continuing to overcome challenges in support of KFS and the global firefighting community.”
Erickson anticipates continued expansion of their partnership with KFS due to the capacity of the Erickson team to meet the needs of shifting global conditions.
Perkins commented regarding the capabilities of the S-64 helicopter, “The global demand is increasing for the heavy-lift helitankers, and Erickson stands ready to respond with the most effective and efficient rotary-wing firefighting machine in the air, the S-64 Air Crane.”
ABOUT ERICKSON
Erickson is a leading global provider of aviation services specializing in defense and national security, manufacturing,
Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO), and Civil services. Erickson Manufacturing and MRO services include
manufacturing the S-64 Air Crane® helicopter as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) as well as manufacturing key aerospace parts for aerospace OEMs. Commercial aerial services include the operation of Erickson’s owned and operated S-64 Air Crane® helicopters to perform firefighting, powerline construction, timber harvesting, HVAC, and specialized heavy-lift for oil and gas. Founded in 1971, Erickson is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, USA, and maintains operations in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Australia.
