This Day in History: May 25, 1889

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by Simonov

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This Day in History

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On May 25, 1889, aircraft designer Igor Sikorsky is born in Kiev, Russian Empire (now Ukraine). From a young age, Sikorsky pursued a career in engineering and, following learning of the accomplishments of Zeppelin and the Wrights during a trip to Germany in 1908, focused his talents on the new field of aviation and aircraft design. During World War One, he and his company manufactured aircraft for the Russian military until the outbreak of the Bolshevik Revolution whereupon he left his home, eventually immigrating to the United States in 1919. Sikorsky formed the Sikorsky Manufacturing Company in 1923, designing not only fixed-wing commercial aircraft but also some of the first helicopters in the United States including the R-4, the first mass-produced helicopter and one which saw service with the US military, in 1942.

Sikorsky passed away on October 26, 1972, at the age of 83. His legacy continues on with his company, the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, continuing to design and produce aircraft, many of which are currently in services with countries across the globe.

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