Helicopters Take Off

The U. S. military signed a contract with Sikorsky Aircraft in 1943 to buy helicop­ters. The company began producing the R-4, the first mass-produced helicopter. The machines had little impact during World War II, but by the Korean War (1950-1953), they were in constant use.

During the 1950s, Sikorsky opened a new plant dedicated to making helicop­ters. Along with making the flying machines, he helped promote their use. A New York company used helicopters
to carry passengers between the city’s different airports. The aircraft also were used to rescue people caught in disasters or to bring supplies to places difficult to reach in other ways. In 1950, the Collier Trophy was awarded to the entire heli­copter industry. Sikorsky, who had pio­neered the field, had the honor of accepting the award.

Sikorsky retired in 1957. He remained active in aviation and was elected to the Aviation Hall of Fame in 1968. On October 25, 1972, he was still working at his desk. He died the next day.

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SEE ALSO:

• Aircraft Design • Da Vinci,

Leonardo • Flying Boat and Seaplane

• Helicopter • World War I

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