Igor Sikorsky

Pilot

Birthday May 25, 1889

Birth Sign Gemini

Birthplace Russia

DEATH DATE Oct 26, 1972 (83)

#146,791 Most Popular

About

Russian-born developer and aviation pioneer who designed and flew the world's first multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft, the Russky Vityaz, in 1913. He also founded the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in 1923, where he developed some of the first flying boats in the 1930's.

Before Fame

Seeing little prospect in his native country torn by revolution and war, he emigrated to the United States in 1919.

Trivia

In 1939 he designed and flew the Vought-Sikorsky VS-300, which was the first viable American helicopter ever created.

Family Life

Both his parents were physicians, though his mother never practiced professionally. He married Elisabeth Semion in 1924.

Associated With

Though he built the first flying helicopter, the concept for it goes all the way back to Leonardo Da Vinci.