Sikorsky S-29-A

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation · United States · first flew 1924 · transport aircraft

The Sikorsky S-29-A was Igor Sikorsky's first aircraft built in the United States after emigrating from Russia, a large twin-engine biplane capable of carrying up to fourteen passengers. It demonstrated Sikorsky's ambitions for commercial aviation in America.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• Igor Sikorsky's first US-built aircraft, twin-engine biplane airliner
• Biplane with two Liberty engines in pusher-tractor tandem nacelles
• Could carry 14 passengers

Large interwar biplane with twin engines, a deep slab-sided passenger fuselage, and fixed undercarriage; typical of ambitious 1920s transport aircraft.

Specifications

• The Sikorsky S-29-A has a length of 15.19 m (50 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 20.73 m (68 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 185 km/h (115 mph).
• Typical crew: 2.

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

History

After fleeing post-revolutionary Russia in 1919, Sikorsky established his aircraft company on Long Island with support from the Russian émigré community. The S-29-A, which flew in 1924, was named for 'America' and served as proof of concept for his future transport designs. It was used commercially for a time and later appeared in the 1927 film Wings.

Variants

A single aircraft was built; it led to the more successful S-35 and S-36 series.

Where you'll see it

Used briefly for commercial charter flights in the northeastern United States; later converted for film work.

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