Erickson to Support NASA’s Mid-Air Retrieval Project

Erickson has landed a contract to look into the concept of operations for NASA‘s third-generation Mid-Air Retrieval Project.

The aviation services company said Tuesday it will study the possible use of an S-64F Aircrane helicopter to retrieve NASA vessels in midair upon re-entry to Earth’s atmosphere.

Erickson’s S-64F helicopter has a payload capacity of 25,000 pounds and has been employed for heavy-lift missions such as construction and timber harvesting.

The company said it will perform work in its southern Oregon facility for three months following contract award and submit results to the Armstrong Flight Research Center.

Erickson President and CEO Jeff Roberts said the company will continue to provide aircraft operations and aviation engineering services in support of NASA’s spaceflight efforts.