Sikorsky Product History

DESCRIPTION

Igor Sikorsky was a renowned aviation pioneer who achieved distinction in three separate fields of aviation starting in Russia in 1913 and continuing in the United States until his passing in 1972. These fields included multi-engine fixed wing aircraft in Russia, multi-engine transcontinental seaplanes in the United States, and culminating in his life-long dream that was the rotary-wing, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. His creation of the first practical helicopter in 1939 founded an entirely new industry in the United States that later grew to become a worldwide industry. The helicopter has become an integral part of both civilian and military aviation worldwide. It has matured to become the premier saver of lives in accidents, disasters and wartime combat situations. Igor Sikorsky envisioned this humanitarian use of the helicopter early in his long career and remains as his most important legacy.

The company that he founded, Sikorsky Aircraft, continues to focus on aviation products embodying advanced technologies and unique design innovations in the tradition established by Igor Sikorsky.

This section of the Archives attempts to focus on the full range of  those experimental production and historical events of fixed and rotary wing aircraft created under the direction of Igor Sikorsky as well as the helicopters, fixed wing and transportation products created by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. The development and production history of the Sikorsky products listed in the left hand column beginning with the S-5 is presented together with significant design features, mission systems, performance, production history and the operator base associated with each product line where applicable.