Sikorsky S-39
Encyclopedia
The Sikorsky S-39 was a smaller, single-engine version of the S-38
light amphibious aircraft
, built in the USA by aviation firm Sikorsky Aircraft
during the early 1930s.
used a giraffe-patterned S-39 Spirit of Africa, with companion zebra-striped S-38
Osa's Ark, to explore Africa extensively, making safari
movies
and books.
In 2003, aviator Dick Jackson completed an authentic restoration of the S-39, dubbed the Spirit of Igor in honor of the Johnsons and Igor Sikorsky
. The restoration process required nearly 40 years and 40,000 man-hours to complete. It is currently the oldest flying Sikorsky in the world.
Sikorsky S-38
-See also:...
light amphibious aircraft
Amphibious aircraft
An amphibious aircraft or amphibian is an aircraft that can take off and land on either land or water. Fixed-wing amphibious aircraft are seaplanes that are equipped with retractable wheels, at the expense of extra weight and complexity, plus diminished range and fuel economy compared to planes...
, built in the USA by aviation firm Sikorsky Aircraft
Sikorsky Aircraft
The Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation is an American aircraft manufacturer based in Stratford, Connecticut. Its parent company is United Technologies Corporation.-History:...
during the early 1930s.
Postwar usage
Film makers Martin and Osa JohnsonMartin and Osa Johnson
Martin Johnson and his wife Osa Johnson were American adventurers and documentary filmmakers.-Biography:...
used a giraffe-patterned S-39 Spirit of Africa, with companion zebra-striped S-38
Sikorsky S-38
-See also:...
Osa's Ark, to explore Africa extensively, making safari
Safari
A safari is an overland journey, usually a trip by tourists to Africa. Traditionally, the term is used for a big-game hunt, but today the term often refers to a trip taken not for the purposes of hunting, but to observe and photograph animals and other wildlife.-Etymology:Entering the English...
movies
Film
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
and books.
In 2003, aviator Dick Jackson completed an authentic restoration of the S-39, dubbed the Spirit of Igor in honor of the Johnsons and Igor Sikorsky
Igor Sikorsky
Igor Sikorsky , born Igor Ivanovich Sikorsky was a Russian American pioneer of aviation in both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft...
. The restoration process required nearly 40 years and 40,000 man-hours to complete. It is currently the oldest flying Sikorsky in the world.