Sikorsky is synonymous with helicopters. Helicopters, however, were just one part of the amazing life of Igor Sikorsky. To begin with, he made the world’s first multi-engine aircraft in Russia. Then, he successfully designed the Flying Clipper seaplanes. Lastly, his helicopters became famous.

To this day, Sikorskyis synonymous with helicopters. Helicopters, however, were just one part of the amazing life of Igor Sikorsky that spanned over eight decades and two great nations. To begin with, he made the world’s first multi-engine aircraft in Russia. Then, after immigrating to the US, he achieved success by designing the Flying Clipper seaplanes and ushering in the era of intercontinental aviation. Lastly, his helicopters became famous.

Igor Sikorsky was born in Kiev, Russia on May 25, 1889. His lifelong interest in flying machines began early. His mother Mariya, who schooled him at home, instilled in him a fascination for Leonardo da Vinci’s flying machines and Jules Verne’s fantastic tales. At the age of 12, he made a small rubber-band powered helicopter. By 20, he constructed two full-scale helicopters. Sadly, neither of them proved successful. Somewhat discouraged, he turned his attention to fixed-wing aircraft. In the space of just two years, with no one to teach or guide him, he designed and flew the world’s first large multi-engine plane. There is an interesting story of how Igor became convinced about the need for multi-engine aircraft. When he had to force land one of his early planes following engine failure, investigation revealed that a mosquito had blocked the carburettor. He felt that if something as trivial as an insect could bring down an expensive aircraft, it was essential to incorporate more engines to ensure survivability, if nothing else. His first four-engine plane, christened The Grand, included an enclosed cabin, a washroom, upholstered chairs and an exterior balcony for passengers. The Grand was followed by a larger aircraft, the Il’ya Muromets, after a legendary Russian hero of the 10th century. This, in a military version, proved highly effective as a bomber in World War I and more than 70 of these bombers were built.