More Sikorsky (by popular demand)

The Ilya Muromets (Sikorsky S-22) was designed and constructed by Igor Sikorsky at the Russo-Baltic Carriage Factory (RBVZ) in Riga in 1913 [...] (It) was first conceived and built as a luxurious aircraft. For the first time in aviation history, it had an isolated passenger saloon, comfortable wicker chairs, bedroom, lounge and even a bathroom. The aircraft also had heating and electrical lighting. [...] If it had not been for World War I, the Ilya Muromets would have probably started passenger flights.

With the beginning of World War I, Sikorsky decided to change the design of the aircraft to become the world's first purpose-designed bomber. Internal racks carried up to 800 kg of bombs, and positions for up to nine machine guns were added for self-defense in various locations, including the extreme tail. The engines were protected with 5 mm-thick armor.

But of course they kept the comfortable wicker chairs.

My hero Igor

I have become quite interested in Igor Sikorsky, the helicopter man. There is debate about whether he "invented" the helicopter or not, but he certainly got the helicopter industry going. And, he liked to fly around in them wearing a dandy hat.

Sikorksy emigrated from Russia to the USA after WW1, as he couldn't find any interest in helicopters in Europe in a time of massive disarmament. Many other Russians escaping the civil war flooded into America at about the same time. Who put up the money for Sikorsky's first big venture in the USA? Rachmaninoff!