Shannon Stirnweis: Igor Sikorsky

Artist: Shannon Stirnweis
1931 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1988
Image Size: 18.5 by 13.5 inches
Overall Size: 21.5 by 16.5 inches
Medium: Oil on Hot Press Illustration Board

It would be difficult to discuss the history of aviation without recognizing the name of Igor Sikorsky. In the early 1900's, Sikorsky applied his genius to the problems of mechanical flight, and his contributions advanced the science rapidly. First concentrating on the idea of helicopter flight, Sikorsky produced a first effort in 1909, but it never left the ground. His second version was little better, and Sikorsky turned then to fixed-wing flight, forming in his mind a truly giant craft. In 1912, Sikorsky received the financial backing he needed to produce his dream, and the "Russian Knight!" was built. It was the first four-engine land plane, and Sikorsky himself was the test pilot. His second model flew 1600 miles between Petrograd and Kiev, and Sikorsky had soon set records for Russia in flying distance, weight-lifting, and altitude. Emigrating from Russia to the United States, Sikorsky continued his aeronautics career, designing Pan American Airways' famous S-42 flying boats, building one of the first successful U.S. passenger planes, and turning his attentions once again to helicopter flight. More successful this time, Sikorsky is remembered for the 1938 Vought-Sikorsky 300 single-seater helicopter which brought helicopter flight into the realm of practicality, and in 1945, Sikorsky's R-4 helicopter entered large-scale production. Sikorsky died in 1972, having contributed greatly to the history of flight.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day of Issue Maximum Card of the 36¢ Igor Sikorsky stamp issued on June 23, 1988.

Artwork Copyright © 1988 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB11467

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