Sikorsky S-29-A

The Sikorsky S‑29‑A, built by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in the early 1920s, was one of the first American twin‑engine transport biplanes and a direct predecessor of later heavy aircraft. Designed by Igor Sikorsky after he emigrated from Russia, the S‑29‑A made its maiden flight in March 1924 at Roosevelt Field, New York. The airplane featured a wooden frame covered with fabric, a welded‑steel fuselage, and two 425‑horsepower Liberty V‑12 engines mounted on the lower wing. Its 78‑foot wingspan and 6‑ton maximum take‑off weight allowed it to carry up to 14 passengers or 2,400 pounds of cargo, a remarkable capacity for the era. The aircraft’s enclosed cockpit and cabin provided unprecedented comfort and protection from the elements, while its dual‑engine layout offered improved reliability over contemporary single‑engine transports. Although only a handful were built, the S‑29‑A demonstrated the practicality of multi‑engine airliners and helped establish Sikorsky’s reputation as an innovative designer. Its successful trans‑Atlantic demonstration flights in 1925 highlighted the growing potential of commercial aviation and laid groundwork for the later development of the world‑wide air‑transport network. Today, the surviving S‑29‑A displayed at the Smithsonian serves as a tangible reminder of early aviation ambition and engineering ingenuity.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification