Igor Sikorsky

aviation pioneer · helicopters · aircraft designer · Russian-American

Early aviation success. Sikorsky built and flew his own airplanes starting in the early 1900s. His S-5 aircraft won him national recognition in Russia and earned him pilot's license number 64.

Prize-winning designs. His S-6-A aircraft received the highest award at the 1912 Moscow Aviation Exhibition. Later that same year, it won first prize in a military competition in Saint Petersburg.

Four-engine pioneer. In 1913, Sikorsky designed the Russky Vityaz, which was the first successful four-engine aircraft ever to fly. This was a huge achievement in aviation history.

From airliner to bomber. Sikorsky created the Ilya Muromets family of aircraft, first as luxury airliners. When World War I started, he redesigned them to become the world's first four-engine bombers.

Helicopter pioneer. Sikorsky is famous for pioneering helicopter design and development. His work laid the foundation for modern helicopters used today.