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 m^2) [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

• Sikorsky S-36
• Sikorsky S-38

Related lists

• List of flying boats and floatplanes

References

1. 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. Upper wing