Igor Sikorsky

Igor Ivanovich Sikorsky (May 25, 1889 – October 26, 1972) was a Russian pioneer of aviation who designed the first four-engine aeroplanes and the first modern helicopter.

Biography

Igor Sikorsky was born in Kiev, Russian Empire (now Ukraine) and studied at the Naval War College in St. Petersburg. His early work included the construction, as chief engineer, of the first four-motor aircraft. He was also the test pilot for its first flight, on May 13, 1913. Sikorsky's planes were used by Russia as bombers in World War I (see Ilya Muromets) and he was decorated with the Cross of St. Vladimir.

Related Topics:
Kiev - Russian Empire - Ukraine - St. Petersburg - May 13 - 1913 - World War I - Ilya Muromets - Cross of St. Vladimir

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In 1919 Sikorsky emigrated from Russia to the United States seeing little opportunity for himself as an aircraft designer in Europe, torn by the war, and, particularly in Russia, ravaged by the Revolution and Civil War.

Related Topics:
1919 - United States - Revolution - Civil War

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In the US Sikorsky first worked as a school teacher and a lecturer looking for an opportunity in aviation industry. In 1923, helped by several former Russian army officers, he formed the Sikorsky Aero Engineering Company. In 1928, he became a naturalized citizen of the United States. In 1929 Sikorsky Aero Engineering Company was purchased by and became a subsidiary of United Aircraft, itself now a part of United Technologies Corporation. The company manufactured flying boats such as the S-42, used by Pan Am for trans-atlantic flights and known as Pan Am Clippers.

Related Topics:
1923 - Sikorsky Aero Engineering Company - 1928 - Naturalized citizen - 1929 - United Technologies Corporation - Flying boat - S-42 - Pan Am

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Sikorsky had experimented with helicopter-type flying machines while in Russia. He brought his work to fruition on 24th May 1940 with the first successful helicopter flight in the Vought-Sikorsky 300, a machine with a single three-blade rotor powered by a 75 horsepower (56 kW) engine. Another one of his helicopters is the Sikorsky Seahawk.

Related Topics:
24th May - 1940 - Vought-Sikorsky 300 - Horsepower

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The Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation continues to the present day as one of the world's leading helicopter manufacturers.

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