Erickson gives each of its S-64 Air Crane helicopters a nickname, the most famous being “Elvis” which gained fame in Australia as a highly visible and valuable tool in bushfire suppression.

In 2019 the Australian fleet included “Marty”, “Delilah”, “Gypsy Lady”, “Elsie”, “Georgia Peach” and “Jerry”. With a max. take-off weight of 19,050 kgs and a cruising speed of 170km/h the air-cranes can hold over 9,000 litres of water.

Erikson is based at Essendon Fields Airport during the summer months.