Sikorsky S-3

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S-3
Sikorsky S-3 aircraft circa 19010.jpg
Sikorsky S-3 near Kiev Russia Empire December 1910
RoleExperimental
National origin Russian Empire
First flightDecember 1910
Statusdamaged with parts reused in Sikorsky S-4
Number built1
Developed from Sikorsky S-2
Developed into Sikorsky S-4

The Sikorsky S-3 was an early Russian single seat biplane design by Igor Sikorsky. Work on the machine started in July 1910 and was completed in late November.

Contents

Design and development

The S-3 was a larger improved version of the S-2 with a more powerful 40 hp (30 kW) Anzani three-cylinder engine. The main wings were manufactured in a more uniform manner with the ribs held to a closer tolerance and the fabric covering was of better quality. Other refinements included larger ailerons and faster-responding flight control surfaces. [1]

Operational history

The S-3 exhibited performance superior to the S-2, and Sikorsky made a dozen successful flights starting early in December. The S-3 made its last flight on December 13, 1910 when at an altitude of 90 feet the engines distributor shifted to a retarded position and lost power. The aircraft landed hard on a frozen pond, broke through the ice and sank causing serious damage. The S-3 was salvaged and some parts including the engine were used in the construction of the S-4. [2]

Specifications

Data fromRussian Aviation Museum [3]

General characteristics

Performance

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References

  1. Sikorsky, Igor (1944). The Story of the Winged-S. New York: Dodd, Mead & Company. p. 42. ISBN   9781258163556.
  2. Sikorsky, Igor (1944). The Story of the Winged-S. New York: Dodd, Mead & Company. p. 43. ISBN   9781258163556.
  3. "S-3". ram-home.com. 4 September 1997. Retrieved 2 April 2017.