Sikorsky VS-44

Sikorsky VS-44
Country	USA
Role	Flying boat
First flight	13 August 1937
Built	3

The Sikorsky VS-44 was a large four-engined flying boat built in the United States in the early 1940s by Sikorsky Aircraft. The VS-44 was designed primarily for the transatlantic passenger market, with a capacity of 40+ passengers. Three units were produced: Excalibur, Excambian, and Exeter.

Source: Sikorsky VS-44 on Wikipedia

Sikorsky VS-44A Flying Boat Excambian Walk Around
Photographer	Bill Maloney
Localisation	New England Air Museum
Photos	30

Sikorsky VS-44A Flying Boat Excambian 1

Sikorsky VS-44A Flying Boat Excambian 2

Sikorsky VS-44A Flying Boat Excambian 3

Sikorsky VS-44A Flying Boat Excambian 4

Sikorsky VS-44A Flying Boat Excambian 5

Sikorsky VS-44A Flying Boat Excambian 7

Sikorsky VS-44A Flying Boat Excambian 6

Sikorsky VS-44A Flying Boat Excambian 8

Sikorsky VS-44A Flying Boat Excambian 9

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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” and “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)
Role	Long-Range Commercial Transport / Mail Carrier
National Origin	United States
Manufacturer	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)
Wingspan	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.