Sikorsky S-34

S-34
Role Amphibian sesquiplane
National origin United States
Manufacturer Sikorsky Manufacturing Corporation
First flight 1926 or 1927
Number built 1
Developed into Sikorsky S-36

The Sikorsky S-34 was a 1920s American six-seat sesquiplane, designed and built by the Sikorsky Manufacturing Corporation. Only one was built, but the design led to the successful Sikorsky S-38.[1]

Design and development

The S-34 was a sesquiplane amphibian with a boat hull, being powered by two tractor 200 hp (149 kW) Wright Whirlwind J-4 engines.[1] It had a boom-mounted twin-rudder tail unit and room inside the hull for five passengers.[1] During a test flight in November 1927, one engine failed and the S-34 crashed and sank. Igor Sikorksy and the others on board escaped without injury but the S-34 was destroyed.[1] It was the first Sikorsky aircraft with a boat hull and would lead to a family of similar flying boats and amphibians.[1]

Specifications

Data from [1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: five
  • Length: 34 ft 0 in (10.36 m)
  • Wingspan: 56 ft 0 in (17.07 m) [2]
  • Height: 10 ft 7 in (3.23 m)
  • Wing area: 396 sq ft (36.79 m2) [2]
  • Empty weight: 2,900 lb (1,315 kg)
  • Gross weight: 4,500 lb (2,041 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Wright Whirlwind J-4 , 200 hp (149 kW) each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 45 mph (72.4 km/h, 39 kn)
  • Range: 360 mi (579 km, 310 nmi)
  • Endurance: 3 hours 0 minutes
  • Service ceiling: 15,000 ft (4,572 m)

See also

Related development

Related lists

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Best, Martin (1990). "Sikorsky American Fixed-Wing Aircraft - Part 1 S-29A to S-35". Archive. 2002 (4). Air-Britain: 127–133. ISSN 0262-4923.
  2. ^ a b Upper wing