The CH-54 Tarhe helicopter was developed by Sikorsky Aircraft, a company founded by the prominent Ukrainian aircraft designer Igor Sikorsky. The first flight of the helicopter (originally named S-64) took place on May 9, 1962.

The helicopter was built on a modular principle, which simplified its maintenance and repair. It had a tall three-post landing gear with a front support, which allowed a tractor with a trailer approach its fuselage freely.

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