Sikorsky S-39

The Sikorsky S-39 was an American light amphibious aircraft produced by Sikorsky Aircraft during the early 1930s. The S-39 was a smaller, single-engine version of the S-38.[1]

S-39
Sikorsky S-39 of the Civil Air Patrol, 1942
Role Flying boat
National origin United States
Manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft
First flight 24 December 1929
Number built 21

Operational history

Spirit of Africa

Filmmakers Martin and Osa Johnson 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.[2]

Military usage

The C-28

One example of the S-39 was acquired by the United States Army Air Corps in 1932, given the designation Y1C-28. It was evaluated for use in coastal patrol and light transport roles; in 1934 it was redesignated C-28 and assigned as a liaison aircraft to the United States Military Academy.[3]

Variants

S-39-A
4-seat version[4]
S-39-B
Improved 5-seat version of the S-39-A[4]
S-39-C
Converted from S-39-B[5]
C-28
One example of the S-39 acquired by the United States Army Air Corps

Specifications (S-39A)

Data from Aerofiles : Sikorsky[6], American flying boats and amphibious aircraft : an illustrated history[7]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1 or 2
  • Capacity: 4 0r 5 pax / 1,145–1,300 lb (519–590 kg) payload
  • Length: 31 ft 11 in (9.73 m)
  • Wingspan: 52 ft 0 in (15.85 m)
  • Wing area: 320 sq ft (30 m2)
  • Airfoil: Sikorsky GS-1 [8]
  • Empty weight: 2,678 lb (1,215 kg)
  • Gross weight: 4,000 lb (1,814 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior 9-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine, 300 hp (220 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 115 mph (185 km/h, 100 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 97 mph (156 km/h, 84 kn)
  • Stall speed: 54 mph (87 km/h, 47 kn)
  • Range: 375 mi (604 km, 326 nmi)

Surviving aircraft

Sikorsky S-39-B

References

  1. "Sikorsky S-39B "Jungle Gym"". New England Air Museum. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  2. "Flying Expedition To Africa To Visit Forbidden Area." Popular Mechanics, April 1933.
  3. "Sikorsky Y1C-28." National Museum of the United States Air Force, June 24, 2009. Retrieved: July 15, 2017.
  4. "A.T.C. #375" (PDF). Golden Wings Flying Museum. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  5. Jackson, Dick. "40 Years and 40,000 Hours". Spirit of Igor. Richard Jackson. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  6. Eckland, K.O. "american airplanes: Sikorsky". aerofiles.com. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
  7. Johnson, E.R. (2009). American flying boats and amphibious aircraft : an illustrated history. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Co. pp. 188–189. ISBN 978-0786439744.
  8. Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  9. "1930 Sikorsky S-39". Fantasy of Flight. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  10. "FAA REGISTRY [N50V]". Federal Aviation Administration. U.S. Department of Transportation. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  11. Jackson, Dick. "40 Years and 40,000 Hours - Part 2". Spirit of Igor. Richard Jackson. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  12. "FAA REGISTRY [N58V]". Federal Aviation Administration. U.S. Department of Transportation. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
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