Igor Ivanovich Sikorsky (1889–1972) was a Russian-American aviation pioneer whose innovations in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters revolutionized air travel and rescue operations.
Born in Kiev, Russian Empire (now Ukraine,) he studied engineering at Kyiv Polytechnic Institute before pursuing aircraft design. In Russia, he developed the Russky Vityaz (1913,) the world’s first four-engine aircraft, and the Ilya Muromets (1914,) the first four-engine bomber.
After the Russian Revolution, Sikorsky immigrated to the U.S. (1919) and founded the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (1923.) He initially designed flying boats, including the Sikorsky S-42 (1934,) pivotal in transatlantic travel. His greatest achievement came in 1939 with the Vought-Sikorsky VS-300, the first viable American helicopter, leading to the mass-produced Sikorsky R-4 (1942.)
His Recollections and Thoughts of a Pioneer (1964) reviews his career and aviation’s future. His autobiography, The Story of the Winged S (1938, revised 1967,) offers firsthand insights. A devout Russian Orthodox Christian, he authored The Message of the Lord’s Prayer (1942) and The Invisible Encounter (1947.)
Notable biographies include Sergei Sikorsky’s The Sikorsky Legacy (2007) and Frank J. Delear’s Igor Sikorsky, His Three Careers in Aviation (1969, revised 1976.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Igor Sikorsky
The work of the individual still remains the spark that moves mankind forward.
—Igor Sikorsky
Topics: Individuality
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