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SKYCRANE: Igor Sikorsky's Last Vision
John A. McKenna
Library of Flight Series
Published by AIAA, © 2010, 115 pages, Paperback
ISBN-10: 1-60086-756-1
ISBN-13: 978-1-60086-756-9
USD 39.95
The Skycrane was the last creation of aircraft design pioneer Igor Sikorsky. In SKYCRANE: Igor Sikorsky's Last Vision, former Sikorsky Aircraft Executive Vice President John A. McKenna traces the development of this remarkable helicopter from original concept and early sketches to standout performer for the military and private industry.
Responsible for building the first S-64 Skycrane in 1961 and for supporting its Army and commercial programs, McKenna has written a comprehensive history chronicling a radically designed helicopter that many thought would not succeed. Indeed, initial versions generated no orders. But General Harry Kinnard’s vision and advocacy resulted in the Skycrane’s support of combat operations in Vietnam as part of the groundbreaking concept of supporting Army troops with helicopters rather than trucks.
In 1971 Erickson Lumber Company acquired the first Skycrane intended for commercial use to move timber deep in American forests. Owner Jack Erickson later acquired the world manufacturing and support rights to the aircraft creating Erickson Air-Crane Inc. A half century after its first flight the Skycrane continues to save lives, provide essential services, and earn daily profits worldwide.
Beautifully illustrated with scores of historical photographs, SKYCRANE features interviews with engineers who designed and tested the helicopter and with Army pilots who flew it during combat in Vietnam. This engagingly written work is the definitive history of a unique and important aircraft.
Here's what the reviewers are saying:
SKYCRANE is the incredible story of the dogged pursuit of a vision. Told here in-depth for the first time is an inside look at the continual innovation and perseverance required for the creation and development of one of the world’s most unusual helicopters.--Michael J. Hirschberg, Managing Editor, Vertiflite magazine
Jack McKenna tells a captivating story. This excellent story makes one wonder why industry and its customers cannot return to the days when prototyping was rapid and affordable, specifications were achievable with modest technology stretch, and risk-taking was a normal business attitude. --Ray D. Leoni, author of Black Hawk: The Story of a World Class Helicopter
Table of Contents:
Igor Sikorsky Defines the Crane Helicopter
The S-60 Experimental Crane Proves the Concept
Development of the S-64 Production Skycrane
West German Military Verifies S-64 Performance
Development of Army Cranes and Vietnam Success
Sikorsky Develops Commercial Markets
Erickson Expands Markets and Buys all S-64 Rights
Future Cranes
Index
Also available in eBook format
John A. McKenna
Library of Flight Series
Published by AIAA, © 2010, 115 pages, Paperback
ISBN-10: 1-60086-756-1
ISBN-13: 978-1-60086-756-9
USD 39.95
The Skycrane was the last creation of aircraft design pioneer Igor Sikorsky. In SKYCRANE: Igor Sikorsky's Last Vision, former Sikorsky Aircraft Executive Vice President John A. McKenna traces the development of this remarkable helicopter from original concept and early sketches to standout performer for the military and private industry.
Responsible for building the first S-64 Skycrane in 1961 and for supporting its Army and commercial programs, McKenna has written a comprehensive history chronicling a radically designed helicopter that many thought would not succeed. Indeed, initial versions generated no orders. But General Harry Kinnard’s vision and advocacy resulted in the Skycrane’s support of combat operations in Vietnam as part of the groundbreaking concept of supporting Army troops with helicopters rather than trucks.
In 1971 Erickson Lumber Company acquired the first Skycrane intended for commercial use to move timber deep in American forests. Owner Jack Erickson later acquired the world manufacturing and support rights to the aircraft creating Erickson Air-Crane Inc. A half century after its first flight the Skycrane continues to save lives, provide essential services, and earn daily profits worldwide.
Beautifully illustrated with scores of historical photographs, SKYCRANE features interviews with engineers who designed and tested the helicopter and with Army pilots who flew it during combat in Vietnam. This engagingly written work is the definitive history of a unique and important aircraft.
Here's what the reviewers are saying:
SKYCRANE is the incredible story of the dogged pursuit of a vision. Told here in-depth for the first time is an inside look at the continual innovation and perseverance required for the creation and development of one of the world’s most unusual helicopters.--Michael J. Hirschberg, Managing Editor, Vertiflite magazine
Jack McKenna tells a captivating story. This excellent story makes one wonder why industry and its customers cannot return to the days when prototyping was rapid and affordable, specifications were achievable with modest technology stretch, and risk-taking was a normal business attitude. --Ray D. Leoni, author of Black Hawk: The Story of a World Class Helicopter
Table of Contents:
Igor Sikorsky Defines the Crane Helicopter
The S-60 Experimental Crane Proves the Concept
Development of the S-64 Production Skycrane
West German Military Verifies S-64 Performance
Development of Army Cranes and Vietnam Success
Sikorsky Develops Commercial Markets
Erickson Expands Markets and Buys all S-64 Rights
Future Cranes
Index
Also available in eBook format
