Utility aircraft manufacturer Erickson Incorporated has received FAA approval for its next-generation composite main rotor blades.

After many years of manufacturing metal blades, Erickson has invested in the future of the S-64 rotorcraft by designing, certifying and building composite main rotor blades that will bring many dramatic benefits.

The company started the process of designing the new blades in 2008, working closely with the FAA and various industry partners. In 2013 Erickson collaborated with Helicopter Transport Services (HTS), so the blades could be utilised on CH-54 rotorcraft as well. To maintain close control of blade manufacture, Erickson built a composite manufacturing facility from scratch in 2015. After thousands of hours of design, testing and analysis by engineers and partners, the new composite main rotor blades are now approved by the FAA for the S-64E with an initial life that will increase as fatigue testing continues. Certification for the CH-54A is expected to follow quickly in the coming weeks, and certification for the S-64F and CH-54B is expected this summer.

“The CMRB programme shows our commitment to innovation and next-generation programmes for the modernisation of the S-64 Air Crane helicopter and legacy fleet. As an OEM provider and air operator, Erickson continues to push the envelope to find new and reliable solutions to keep our customers flying longer, safer and always for the best price,” says CEO Doug Kitani.