Who Invented The Helicopter

On August 13, 1939, German engineer and researcher, Igor Sikorsky, successfully tested the first fully functioning helicopter, the VS-300. This single-rotor, single-seat aircraft was not only revolutionary, but it was the first of its kind to be able to take off, hover, and land.

Throughout his career, Sikorsky would go on to design more than 25 different types of planes, which include the Vought F4U Corsair and the S-59. But his most well-known invention is the VS-300.

During the 1930s, Sikorsky was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s design diagrams of a hypothetical aerial screw, which are considered to be the first-ever sketches of a helicopter. This inspired Sikorsky to create the Helicopter Research Institute in1931 in order to study the science behind horizontal and vertical flight.

After numerous experiments, failed models, and a few minor successes, Sikorsky finally achieved liftoff on August 13, 1939. The VS-300 was the first of its kind to be able to balance on its own and the craft hovered for half a minute before Sikorsky had to bring it back down to the ground. This moment marked the creation of the first practical and successful helicopter.

Sikorsky’s invention propelled innovation in the field of aviation and soon enough, more and more models of helicopters were being developed for a variety of practical purposes ranging from transporting people to assisting in reconnaissance missions.

The legacy of Sikorsky’s invention was long-lasting. His concept of the VS-300 was so revolutionary that it inspired the likes of Bell Aircraft, McDonnell Douglas, and other airplane manufacturers to refine the design into the helicopters that we know today.

Besides his invention of the world’s first practical helicopter, Igor Sikorsky was also known for being a philanthropist who used much of his money to establish numerous ethnic and religious charities throughout the world. He was loved by his family and friends and admired by aviation enthusiasts alike, up until his passing in 1972.

Today, Sikorsky’s innovation continues to make the world a more accessible, safer, and faster place to travel. His invention of the first helicopter is a testament to his exceptional engineering talent and pioneering spirit and will always be remembered as a groundbreaking achievement in the history of aviation.