The Story of the Winged-S Igor Sikorsky Signed + Sons Test Pilot 1941

THE STORY OF THE WINGED-S AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY by IGOR I. SIKORSKY, hardcover with dustjacket, 4th Printing, 1941, signed. This is the exciting an inspiring autobiography by Igor Sikorsky, aviation pioneer. He is known for his firm's designs of flying boats and "clippers" as well as production of the first viable American helicopter and Sikorsky R-4, the first mass-produced helicopter. This is a very rare book. Not only is it signed by Igor Sikorsky, it is also signed by Les Morris, Sergei Sikorsky, and Igor Sikorsky Jr. Charles Lester “Les” Morris (1908 – 1991) - joined Sikorsky Aircraft as the chief test pilot for the fledgling helicopter program. At Sikorsky, he became the first to master the VS-300 experimental helicopter model, eventually flying the helicopter at 80 miles per hour while retaining full maneuverability - a feat unheard-of at the time. Morris conducted flight tests on the XR-4, which was being built under an Army Air Corps contract, and in 1942 delivered the helicopter to Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio - a cross-country trip of 761 miles in five days, the first flight of its kind in the west, and probably in the world. Morris trained the first group of military helicopter pilots while at Wright Field, and spent much of the rest of World War II test-flying three newly-designed Sikorsky production helicopters. From 1(contact info removed), Morris conducted the first test flights on nine different Sikorsky helicopter models, carrying eight of them through to advanced stages of flight. Sergei I. Sikorsky (1925 – 2025) – the eldest son of aviation pioneer Igor Sikorsky. Sergei studied at the University of Florence, Italy, then joined United Aircraft (now United Technologies) in 1951. Due to his language adaptability (he speaks French, German, Italian, Russian as well as English) foreign assignments followed. They included the start of S-55 helicopter production by Mitsubishi in Japan, the introduction of the S-58 (H-34) helicopter into the German and Israeli Armed Forces, the prototype S-64 helicopter program, and many other programs cross Europe and the Near East. He participated in the early U.S. aviation industry missions into the Soviet Union and into Eastern Europe. While in Europe, he flew both for business and pleasure; holding, at one time or another, Italian, Swiss, French and German Pilot Licenses, in addition to his PPL. After completion of the German CH-53G co-production program in 1975, he returned to Sikorsky Aircraft headquarters in Stratford, and continued traveling world-wide for the company. He retired from Sikorsky in 1992 as Vice President – Special Projects, but remains active as a consultant. Igor Sikorsky Jr (1929) the 2nd youngest son of aviation pioneer Igor Sikorsky. Practiced law for many years. Always interested in aviation history. Was active with the New England Air Museum and various other aviation museums. Also included are the letter from the National Helicopter Museum for a lecture by Les Morris and the newspaper obituaries for Les Morris and Dimitry D. “Jimmy” Viner. This is a truly amazing piece of history that will complete your aviation collection. $650 cash. Shipping option is available.

Condition

Used (normal wear)

Original Or Reproduction

Vintage original