Igor Sikorsky Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles

Russian-born Igor Sikorsky (1889-1972), a pioneer in the advancement of the helicopter and naval aircraft, signed this photograph ten years after retiring as engineering manager of the Sikorsky Aero Engineering Corporation. At this time, the famed developer of the helicopter was a consultant with the company, which he had established in an old barn on Long Island in 1928 - the same year he became a U.S. citizen. Sikorsky had constructed and flown the first multi-motored airplane in 1913. In 1931, he built the first amphibian American Clipper, which pioneered transoceanic commercial flights. In 1939, Sikorsky developed the first practical American helicopter. His breakthroughs involving vertical flight were instrumental to the advancement of the helicopter; during both the Korean War (1950-1953) and the Vietnam War (1955-1975), the U.S. relied upon the helicopter for medical emergencies as well as for combat. Sikorsky's belief in the "process of intuitive discovery' led to his major achievements, including the development of the four-engine S-42 "Clipper" and the VS-300 helicopter. He received the U.S. Presidential Certificate of Merit (1948) and the National Defense Award (1971). He is enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame.