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VS-44

Sikorsky Aircraft · Flying boat · United States · WWII (1939–1945)

VS-44 — Flying boat
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The Sikorsky VS-44 is a large four-engined flying boat built in the United States in the early 1940s by Sikorsky Aircraft. Based on the XPBS-1 patrol bomber, the VS-44 was designed primarily for the transatlantic passenger market, with a capacity of 40+ passengers. Three units were produced: Excalibur, Excambian, and Exeter, plus two XPBS-1 prototypes.

Specifications

Category
Fixed Wing
Sub-Category
Flying Boat
Domain
Civil
Era
WWII (1939–1945)
Country
United States
Manufacturer
Sikorsky Aircraft
Operator
American Export Airlines; Tampico Airlines; Avalon Air Transport; Antilles Air Boats
Primary Role
Flying boat
Service Entry
1942
Produced
3
Engine
4× 14-cylinder two-row air-cooled radial piston engines
Thrust / Power
1200 hp each
Length (ft)
79
Wingspan (ft)
124
Empty Weight (lb)
26407
MTOW (lb)
57500
Service Ceiling (ft)
18996
Range (mi)
3598
Max Speed (mph)
210