Sikorsky S-31
Sikorsky Manufacturing Corporation · United States · first flew 1925 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Sikorsky S-31 was a 1920s American sesquiplane designed and built by the Sikorsky Manufacturing Corporation and configured for aerial photography.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.92 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Sesquiplane
- Two open cockpits
- Cabin for photographic equipment
A sesquiplane with two open cockpits and a cabin for the photographic equipment.
Specifications
- The Sikorsky S-31 has a length of 7.92 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.72 m (45 ft).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The S-31 was built for photographic work by the Fairchild Flying Corporation. It was powered by a 200 hp Wright Whirlwind J-4 engine and first flew in September 1925.
Variants
At some point the S-31 had twin Lewis machine guns ring-mounted on the rear cockpit.
Where you'll see it
After taking part in the New York Air Races in October 1925, it was shipped to Brazil to be used by Fairchild for aerial photographic work.
Related aircraft
- Sikorsky S-32
- Sikorsky S-37
- Aichi Experimental Type 15-Ko Reconnaissance Seaplane
- Albatros L 65
- Ansaldo A.120
- Armstrong Whitworth Atlas
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