Sikorsky S-20

In today's world, Sikorsky S-20 has become a relevant issue that is becoming more and more important in society. Since its emergence, it has generated extensive debate and controversy, arousing the interest and curiosity of many people. Whether due to its impact on daily life, its historical relevance or its influence on popular culture, Sikorsky S-20 has managed to capture the attention of different sectors of society. In this article, we will thoroughly explore the various facets of Sikorsky S-20, analyzing its meaning, its evolution over time, and its impact today. In addition, we will examine the different perspectives that exist around Sikorsky S-20, offering a broad and objective vision of this exciting topic.

RBVZ S-XX
Role Fighter
Manufacturer RBVZ (Russo-Baltic Wagon Works)
Designer Igor Sikorsky
First flight 1916
Introduction 1916
Retired 1920
Primary user Imperial Russian Air Service
Number built 5

The Sikorsky S-20 (named after its designer) or RBVZ S-XX (named after its manufacturer) was a Russian single-bay unequal span two-seat biplane designed by Igor Sikorsky in 1916. Displaying some Nieuport influence, it saw very little service during World War I.

Five S-XX aircraft were built in September 1916, with the first two powered by the 100 hp Gnome rotary engine which had powered its predecessor, the RBVZ S-XVI. However, the other three were powered with the 120 hp Le Rhone engine, with which they were allegedly faster than the French Nieuport 17.

Operational history

The S-XX saw little service because it was viewed as inferior[citation needed] to newer enemy aircraft, and no series production was undertaken. As such, only five aircraft were ever produced.

List of operators

 Russian Empire

Specifications

General characteristics

  • Length: 6.5 m (21 ft 4 in)
  • Wingspan: 8.6 m (28 ft 3 in)
  • Height: 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in)
  • Wing area: 17 m2 (180 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 395 kg (871 lb)
  • Gross weight: 570 kg (1,257 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Le Rhône Type 9Jb 9-cylinder air-cooled rotary piston engine, 89 kW (120 hp)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed fixed-pitch propeller

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 180 km/h (110 mph, 97 kn)
  • Range: 390 km (240 mi, 210 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 5,600 m (18,400 ft)
  • Time to altitude: 2,000 m (6,600 ft) in 6 minutes 20 seconds
  • Wing loading: 33.0 kg/m2 (6.8 lb/sq ft)
  • Power/mass: 0.21 hp/kg

Armament

References

Bibliography

  • William Green and Gordon Swanborough. The Complete Book of Fighters. Colour Library Direct, Godalming, UK: 1994. ISBN 1-85833-777-1.