Korean Forest Service (KFS) has taken delivery of another S-64 Air Crane from Erickson Inc, realising completion of its 2019 two aircraft order. This brings the KFS operational fleet up to six S-64 Air Crane helicopters.

KFS and Erickson share a nearly 20 year relationship, developing a model firefighting and emergency response programme complete with by-the-hour maintenance services, pilot training and delivery of remanufactured aircraft.

Erickson vice president of aerosystems Hayden Olsen says: “I am very proud of the team and their effort to deliver the second re-manufactured S-64E to the Korean Forest Service this year. The delivery closes out a successful 2019 for the company and sets the stage for growth as we look forward to 2020.”

The S-64 has a strong reputation in Korea for being the best firefighting aircraft available. In 2001, KFS was the first foreign government to purchase S-64s and since then the company has continued to modify and upgrade its fleet with the addition of K8, that incorporate modifications such as composite main rotor blades and glass cockpit.