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Sikorsky S-60 Flying Crane Research Prototype

The Sikorsky S-60 Flying Crane was a company-funded 1950s heavy-lift helicopter research vehicle that moved the external-load concept beyond conventional fuselage carriage. Its twin-engine crane arrangement, derived S-56 systems, and March 1959 flight-test program directly informed the later S-64 Skycrane lineage, while the prototype remained an experimental vehicle rather than a production aircraft.

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Identity

Aliases
S-60Flying CraneSikorsky S-60S-60 research vehicle
Family Name
Sikorsky S-60 Flying Crane
Full Name
Sikorsky S-60 Flying Crane Research Prototype
Roles
researchexperimentalcargotechnology_demonstrator
Status
retired
Type
aircraft

Details

Aircraft Specs
Configuration
rotorcraft
Operating Modes
land
Takeoff Landing Capabilities
vtol
Description
The Sikorsky S-60 Flying Crane was a company-funded 1950s heavy-lift helicopter research vehicle that moved the external-load concept beyond conventional fuselage carriage. Its twin-engine crane arrangement, derived S-56 systems, and March 1959 flight-test program directly informed the later S-64 Skycrane lineage, while the prototype remained an experimental vehicle rather than a production aircraft.
First Flight Year
1,959
Manufacturer

Links

Assets & Meta

Creation Time
August 8, 2026 at 01:16:44 UTC
Updated Time
August 8, 2026 at 01:16:44 UTC