Sikorsky S-38B

Sikorsky · United States · first flew 1928 · transport aircraft

The Sikorsky S-38 was a twin-engined amphibious flying boat that became one of the most successful American commercial aircraft of the late 1920s, used extensively by Pan American Airways to open routes throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Its unusual biplane sesquiplane configuration was visually unmistakable.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	12.27 m fuselage
T — Tail	Twin fin

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Amphibious flying boat with parasol biplane wing arrangement
Twin engines mounted between upper and lower wings
Distinctive twin tail booms with boat hull below

The complex biplane arrangement with twin engines mounted on struts between the wings, twin tail booms extending rearward from the engine nacelles, and the boat hull make the S-38 unmistakable.

Specifications

The Sikorsky S-38B has a length of 12.27 m (40 ft).
It has a wingspan of 21.84 m (72 ft).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1928, the S-38 entered service with Pan American and several other airlines, becoming the 'yacht of the air' for wealthy private owners as well. Martin and Osa Johnson used S-38s for their African and Borneo exploration expeditions. The B variant introduced refinements to the hull and engine installation.

Variants

The S-38A was the initial production version; the S-38B had detail improvements and was the most-built variant; the S-38C introduced further modifications to the hull step and tail assembly.

Where you'll see it

Pan American Airways used S-38s extensively on Caribbean and Central American routes from 1928 onwards, and the US Navy and Army Air Corps also operated small numbers for utility and liaison duties.

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