| 11 May 2009
Otherwise identical to the S-61L, this version is optimized for over water operations, particularly oil rig support, by retaining the SH-3’s floats. Both the S-61L and S-61N were subsequently updated to Mk II standard with improvements including more powerful CT58-110 engines giving better hot and high performance, vibration damping and other detail refinements. The Payloader, a stripped down version optimised for aerial crane work, was the third civil model of the S-61. The Payloader features the fixed undercarriage of the S-61L, but with an empty weight almost 2000lb (900kg) less than the standard S-61N. A unique version is the S-61 Shortsky conversion of S-61Ls and Ns by Helipro International. The fuselage is shortened by 50in (1.6m) to increase single engine performance and external payload. The Shortsky conversion first flew in February 1996.
General characteristics
- Crew: 2 pilots
- Capacity: up to 30 passengers
- Length: 58 ft 11 in (17.96 m)
- Rotor diameter: 62 ft (18.9 m)
- Height: 17 ft 6 in (5.32 m)
- Disc Area: 3,019 ft² (280.6 m²)
- Empty weight: 12,336 lb (5,595 kg)
- Loaded weight: lb (kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 19,000 lb (8,620 kg)
- Powerplant: 2× General Electric CT58-140 turbo-shafts, 1,500 shp (1,120 kW) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 166 mph (267 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 120 kn (222 km/h)
- Range: 450 NM (833 km)
- Service ceiling: 12,500 ft (m)
- Rate of climb: 1,310-2,220 ft/min (400-670 m/min)
- photo: Courtesy of Frank Grealish / IrishAirPics.com