Sikorskyi Helicopter in Kyiv
Where to find: 22, Yaroslaviv Val Street, near Radisson Blu Hotel
The future of Ihor Sikorskyi began in the yard of the mansion at 15Б Yaroslaviv Val Street where a 12-year -old boy was looking dreamily at the sky watching the flight of the handmade helicopters. His heart was pounding with anxiety: he was listening carefully to the sound of the engine, peering at the waggling of the model aircraft and daydreaming about the sky.
His family encouraged him to study. Besides, he was greatly impacted by the wings from Leonardo da Vinci's drawings, his scientific research and boundless talent. The best books, his parents' example, virtues, character building, responsibility and self-discipline became part of his nature.
Later on – First Kyiv Grammar School - the place where future academicians, writers, musicians and scientists were receiving their education. Then – military education at Sea Cadet Corps in the city of Petersburg and after that a sudden dramatic shift in favor of the sky rather than the sea. He set off to the technical school in Paris but shortly after
came back to Kyiv and became a student of Kyiv Polytechnic Institute.
Unique talent and deep knowledge, inquisitive mind and a habit to experiment paid it off: at the age of 20 (1909) a big dreamer designed a helicopter, the first model of which had already been launched in childhood. From his youth Sikorskyi tested his airplanes personally, carried out experimental flights, set numerous records and was repeatedly awarded for
his achievements. In 1918 Sikorskyi
immigrated to France. Since 1919 he was the citizen of the USA where he founded the company Sikorsky Aircraft . Soon afterwards he became the creator of the world's first four-engine aircraft Russian Knight (1913), a giant aircraft Ilya Muromets (1914), the first in the USA amphibian aircraft, transatlantic hydro-aeroplane (1934), a production helicopter of single-rotor configuration (1942) and other air vehicles that made a breakthrough in air transportation. Sikorskyi helicopters made the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean (1967) and the Pacific Ocean (1970) with in-flight refueling.
A small helicopter made by
Yurii Biliavskii reminds everyone that dreams come true!
Legend: If you rub me you will feel wings.