Sikorsky S-60

S-60
The Sikorsky S-60
General information
TypeCargo helicopter
ManufacturerSikorsky Aircraft
StatusCrashed in April 1961
Number built1
History
First flight25 March 1959
Developed fromSikorsky CH-37 Mojave
Developed intoSikorsky S-64 Skycrane

The Sikorsky S-60 helicopter, a prototype "flying crane", was derived from the S-56 in 1958. Proving to be underpowered, the development of the S-60 led to the larger, turbine-engined Sikorsky CH-54 Tarhe military transport helicopter, and its civil S-64 Skycrane variant, which were already on the drawing board by the time the sole example of the S-60 crashed on 3 April 1961.[1]

Like the S-56/H-37 it was powered by two Wasp radial piston engines, but it had a radically different fuselage; rather than a fixed cabin it only had a cockpit and an open area in which pods with different tasks could be carried. Although it did not enter service, it was evaluated by the U.S. Army and Navy, and lead further development of this concept.

  1. ^ "Occurrence #70643: Sikorsky S-60 crash: 3 April 1961." Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved: 14 June 2011.