Sikorsky Ilya Muromets
Russo-Balt · Russian Empire · first flew 1913 · bomber
The Sikorsky Ilya Muromets was the world's first purpose-designed four-engine heavy bomber, entering service with the Russian Imperial Air Force in 1914. It featured an enclosed cabin, electric lighting, and even a passenger promenade deck — revolutionary for its era.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 18.8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- World's first four-engine heavy bomber in operational service
- Enclosed cabin biplane with promenade deck
- Russian Imperial Air Force, WWI heavy bomber
Massive four-engine biplane with an enclosed forward cabin and characteristic open rear deck; the four inline engines in underwing nacelles are immediately distinctive.
Specifications
- The Sikorsky Ilya Muromets has a length of 18.8 m (62 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 29.8 m (98 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 130 km/h (81 mph).
- Typical crew: 4-7.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Igor Sikorsky and built by the Russo-Baltic Wagon Factory (Russo-Balt), the Ilya Muromets conducted the first organised strategic bombing campaign in history during WWI. A fleet of these aircraft carried out hundreds of raids on German and Austro-Hungarian targets between 1914 and 1917.
Variants
Series B through G with progressively more powerful engines and improved capability; some later variants carried 400–800 kg of bombs.
Where you'll see it
Served exclusively with the Russian Imperial Air Force's Eskadra Vozdushnykh Korablei (Squadron of Flying Ships); phased out after the 1917 Revolution.
Related aircraft
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