Sikorsky VS-44 | |
|---|---|
| Pays | Usa |
| Rôle | Bateau volant |
| Premier vol | 13 août 1937 |
| Construit | 3 |
Lla Sikorsky VS-44 était un grand hydravion quadrimoteur construit aux États-Unis au début des années 1940 par Sikorsky Aircraft. Le VS-44 a été conçu principalement pour le marché transatlantique des passagers, avec une capacité de plus de 40 passagers. Trois unités ont été produites: Excalibur, Excambian et Exeter.
Source: Sikorsky VS-44 sur Wikipedia
| Sikorsky VS-44A Flying Boat Excambian Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Bill Maloney |
| Localisation | New England Air Museum |
| Photos | 30 |
Voir aussi :
General Characteristics and Role
The Sikorsky VS-44A was a large, four-engined commercial flying boat designed by Sikorsky Aircraft in the United States. Built in limited numbers, the VS-44A was specifically intended for long-range, luxurious transatlantic passenger service. It was one of the last major commercial flying boats built in the U.S., entering service just before the widespread development of long-range land-based airliners rendered flying boats obsolete. Only three VS-44As were built, all for American Export Airlines (later American Overseas Airlines), where they were given names like « Excalibur » Et « Exeter. » The aircraft were known for their high cruising speed, long range, and exceptionally comfortable passenger accommodations, representing the pinnacle of the flying boat era.
| Property | Typical Value (VS-44A) |
|---|---|
| Rôle | Long-Range Commercial Transport / Mail Carrier |
| National Origin | États-Unis |
| Fabricant | Sikorsky Aircraft |
| First Flight (VS-44A) | 1942 |
| Crew | 4–5 (Pilot, Co-pilot, Flight Engineer, Navigator, Radio Operator) |
| Capacity (Passengers) | 40 (day seating) or 16 (sleeper berths) |
| Length | 24.23 m (79 ft 6 in) |
| Envergure | 37.80 m (124 ft 0 in) |
| Height | 8.71 m (28 ft 7 in) |
| Empty Weight | 13,000 kg (28,700 lb) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 26,458 kg (58,300 lb) |
Powerplant and Performance
- Engine: 4 x Pratt & Whitney R-1830-S1C3-G Twin Wasp 14-cylinder radial engines.
- Power Output (Per Engine): 890 kW (1,200 hp).
- Maximum Speed: 340 km/h (211 mph; 183 kn).
- Cruise Speed: 274 km/h (170 mph).
- Range: 7,200 km (4,500 mi; 3,900 nmi) (Max ferry range).
- Service Ceiling: 5,900 m (19,400 ft).
Design and Historical Significance
- Hull Design: Features a deep, robust hull designed to handle the rough seas of the North Atlantic.
- Comfort: Known for its spacious, pressurized cabin (though operating mostly at lower altitudes) and comfortable sleeper arrangements, offering a true « flying yacht » experience.
- Wartime Service: During World War II, the VS-44As were pressed into military service, transporting high-priority passengers, diplomats, and urgent cargo across the Atlantic.
- Survival: One VS-44A, « Hawaii Clipper, » survives today and is the only remaining large four-engine commercial flying boat of U.S. design from that era.
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