The Sikorsky S-3 was an early Russian single seat

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design by

Igor Sikorsky Igor Ivanovich Sikorsky (russian: И́горь Ива́нович Сико́рский, p=ˈiɡərʲ ɪˈvanəvitʃ sʲɪˈkorskʲɪj, a=Ru-Igor Sikorsky.ogg, tr. ''Ígor' Ivánovich Sikórskiy''; May 25, 1889 – October 26, 1972)Fortie ...

. Work on the machine started in July 1910 and was completed in late November.

Design and development

The S-3 was a larger improved version of the S-2 with a more powerful Anzani three-cylinder engine. The main wings were manufactured in a more uniform manner with the ribs held to a closer

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and the fabric covering was of better quality. Other refinements included larger ailerons and faster-responding flight control surfaces.

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.

Specifications

References

{{Sikorsky Aircraft S-3 Biplanes Single-engined tractor aircraft Aircraft first flown in 1910