Bandai
The Sikorsky S-64E is a premier heavy-lift helicopter specifically adapted for large-scale aerial firefighting. Equipped with a specialized 10,000-liter aluminum tank (typically filled with 9,000 to 9,500 liters for optimal flight dynamics), the aircraft drops water, foam, or fire retardant directly onto major fires.
Inside the tank, vertical baffles stabilize the liquid load during flight, ensuring the helicopter remains controllable.
The tank, operated via a gear mechanism, can be refilled in flight using two different intake systems:
"Pond Snorkel": A flexible, 12-meter-long hose with a pump at the end that draws water from depths of just 45 to 50 cm while hovering.
"Sea Snorkel": A surface-level intake device that fills the tank while the aircraft skims over open water at speeds of 35 to 45 knots.
With a flow rate of up to 30,000 gallons (114,000 liters) per hour, the system allows for either a full load drop within 2.5 seconds or up to four precise partial drops per mission.
Plastic model kit
Scale 1:35
unbuilt / unpainted
Paint and glue not included
Inside the tank, vertical baffles stabilize the liquid load during flight, ensuring the helicopter remains controllable.
The tank, operated via a gear mechanism, can be refilled in flight using two different intake systems:
"Pond Snorkel": A flexible, 12-meter-long hose with a pump at the end that draws water from depths of just 45 to 50 cm while hovering.
"Sea Snorkel": A surface-level intake device that fills the tank while the aircraft skims over open water at speeds of 35 to 45 knots.
With a flow rate of up to 30,000 gallons (114,000 liters) per hour, the system allows for either a full load drop within 2.5 seconds or up to four precise partial drops per mission.
Plastic model kit
Scale 1:35
unbuilt / unpainted
Paint and glue not included
Customer Reviews 1
Write now your personal experience with this article and help others with their purchase decision.
