KFS receives eighth S-64 Air Crane
The Korea Forest Service (KFS) has received delivery of a new S-64 Air Crane helicopter from Erickson Incorporated
The aircraft, designated as K-9, is the eighth of its type to be delivered to the KFS. It will support aerial firefighting operations during the Korean wildfire season.
The aircraft was accepted in a handover ceremony by KFS on December 3, having begun production in January 2020 at Erickson’s manufacturing facilities in southern Oregon, US. Erickson stated that ‘the manufacturing process persisted amid worldwide supply chain shortages, shipping obstacles and logistics impediments’.
“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.
South Korea experienced a number of large wildfires in 2022, including in Hapcheon, Goryeong and Yeongdeok counties in February.
The South Korean Coast Guard also accepted delivery of its third S-92 helicopter from Sikorsky on 30 September.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca was a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.