Life and work in aviation
Igor Sikorsky linked his design activities with both aircraft and rotorcraft. His early attempts to create a helicopter preceded practical success for many years. Later, working in the United States, he returned to the task of vertical flight with accumulated engineering experience.
In 1939, Sikorsky's team built an experimental VS-300 in Stratford, Connecticut. On September 14, the device first climbed the harness; Sikorsky was in control. Safety cables limited the movement of the machine and allowed you to check solutions without a full free flight.
The VS-300 served as a test stand. During the work changed the location of the screws, control and design elements. Early difficulties showed that it is not enough for the helicopter only to create a lifting force: it is necessary to ensure stability and control in all directions. Each test provided data for the next revision.
On May 13, 1940, the first free flight of the VS-300 took place. In the final configuration, the device used one rotor and one tail rotor to control the direction and compensate for the reactive moment. In 1943, the car was transferred to the Henry Ford Museum. Sikorsky’s contribution is connected with the transformation of the experimental scheme into the basis of practical helicopter equipment.
Large aircraft before the helicopter era
Sikorsky is often remembered primarily as a helicopter designer, although his work included both multi-engine aircraft and flying boats. These directions solved different problems: they increased transportation opportunities and connected routes with accessible infrastructure. In his career, the history of the helicopter was not an isolated episode.
A large machine requires to coordinate not only the lifting force, but also the interaction of engines, the design, control and placement of people. Therefore, early work with large aircraft is important for understanding the overall engineering path of Sikorsky. It shows the transition from a separate experimental apparatus to a complex aviation system.
Why VS-300 is constantly changing
The test helicopter was a means of research. Its configuration changed as the team dealt with the control and interaction of the screws. The first climb on the harness, free flight and the final scheme indicate different stages; between them lies a large amount of refinement.
The helicopter must simultaneously create a lift, compensate for the reactive moment and change the position in space. A successful solution to one problem does not guarantee the readiness of the whole machine. Therefore, the history of the VS-300 is particularly useful as an example of a sequential search for a scheme that works in different modes.
Carrier and tail screws
In the classic single-rotor scheme, the main screw provides lift, and the tail helps to compensate for the reactive moment and control the direction. When operating the rotor, the fuselage tends to turn in the opposite direction; an additional system should balance this effect.
This description explains the principle, but does not mean that all helicopters are arranged in the same way. There are coaxial, tandem and other schemes. Sikorsky’s contribution is related to the development of a practical machine of a certain layout and its further application, and not to the statement that no one has investigated vertical flight before him.
Helicopter as an Access Tool
Vertical take-off and landing allow you to perform tasks where a long strip is uncomfortable or absent. This has changed the perception of rescue, medical and transport aviation. The ability to bring the aircraft to work has become an independent value, even if the speed is inferior to the aircraft.
Modern application still requires a suitable site, weather assessment, mass and working conditions. Sikorsky’s legacy consists in creating a practical direction of technology, and not in the abolition of aviation restrictions. His biography helps to link the device of the machine with what people need it for.
Major achievements
- Development and testing of VS-300
- Working out the scheme with the carrier and tail screws
- First free flight of the VS-300 on May 13, 1940
Aircraft and flying machines
- VS-300 / VS-300A
Organisations and events
Vought-Sikorsky
- September 14, 1939 - VS-300 test on the harness
- May 13, 1940 - VS-300 free flight
Questions about this biography
What was the VS-300?
Experimental helicopter for design and control testing.
When was the first bond test?
14 September 1939.
When was the free flight?
13 May 1940.
Who piloted the first test?
Igor Sikorsky.
Which scheme is fixed in the final version?
One rotor and one tail rotor.
Did Sikorsky only do helicopters?
Oh, no. His career included multi-engine aircraft and flying boats. Helicopter research has become one of several major areas of work of the designer.
Do all helicopters use the same scheme?
Oh, no. In addition to one carrier and tail rotor, there are other layouts. Sikorsky’s contribution is connected with the development of practical techniques of a certain scheme and its application.