What is the CH-54 Tarhe?

Short answer

A twin-engine heavy-lift helicopter designed by Sikorsky Aircraft for the US Army. The first of three prototypes flew on May 9, 1962. It was used mainly in Vietnam for logistical support and heavy-lift work. Its name comes from Tarhe, an 18th-century Wyandot chief nicknamed "The Crane."

Published: November 1, 2026 · Updated: November 1, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

Skycrane Helicopter - GPN-2000

What it is

The Sikorsky CH-54 Tarhe is a twin-engine heavy-lift helicopter designed by Sikorsky Aircraft for the US Army. It is named after Tarhe, an 18th-century chief of the Wyandot tribe nicknamed "The Crane." It could carry artillery pieces such as the M101 howitzer and even bulky loads like bulldozers and patrol boats.

A successor to the CH-37 Mojave

After the end of the Korean War, the US Army sought a successor to the Sikorsky CH-37 Mojave. Sikorsky soon recognized the advantages of adopting turboshaft propulsion. On May 9, 1962, the first of three prototypes made its maiden flight.

Flying crane in Vietnam

It was most extensively used during the Vietnam War, typically to provide logistical support and heavy-lift operations in aid of US ground troops. Those troops relied almost entirely on air support provided by rotary-wing aircraft such as the CH-54. In terms of recovered aircraft alone, more than 380 are said to have been recovered by CH-54, saving several hundred million dollars.