Sikorsky CH-54 Tarhe
Named for the Wyandot leader Tarhe (who was also known as “The Crane”), the CH-54 was adopted by the US Army in 1963, as they ordered six of the heavy-lift choppers for use in the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). While primarily serving a logistical role for hauling cargo, they were occasionally retrofitted to serve as bombers, troop transports, command centers, and mobile hospitals. While effective in the logistical role, the Tarhe was slowly replaced on the frontlines by the CH-47, which was more situationally adaptable than the comparatively clumsy skycrane.
[1] Aviastar. “Sikorsky S-64 / CH-54 ‘Tarhe,’” accessed September 10, 2018.
