The S-38 replica taxies to the dock after a water landing. The aircraft’s water handling is excellent, although, as with many seaplanes, water thrown on to the windscreen during take-off inhibits forward visibility in the early part of the run.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-36 / S-38 - СШАUSA - 1927

The port Pratt & Whitney Wasp bellowing away next to the cockpit highlights the need for sound-suppressing earphones.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-36 / S-38 - СШАUSA - 1927

The replica makes a water turn, showing its array of bracing struts and wires. It is registered NC6V in the same series as the original, NC29V.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-36 / S-38 - СШАUSA - 1927

Resplendent in the same company livery worn by the original Carnauba, the S-38 replica departs on the 1998 expedition to Brazil. Built by Born Again Restorations, the aircraft is powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Wasp Junior radial engines.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-36 / S-38 - СШАUSA - 1927

The Johnson family poses for a group portrait following the 1998 expedition’s return to the USA. From left to right they are: Curt Johnson; Winnie J. Marquart; Gene Johnson; Sam Johnson; Helen Johnson-Leipold; and Fisk Johnson.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-36 / S-38 - СШАUSA - 1927

Last year the descendants of Johnson’s Wax company chairman H.F. Johnson emulated his 1935 survey flight to Brazil in a specially-built replica of his Sikorsky S-38

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-36 / S-38 - СШАUSA - 1927

Spirit of adventure: Osa and Martin Johnson (no relation to Sam) and crew members with the original Sikorsky S-38B Osa’s Ark, probably during their African tour in 1933. Like Carnauba, this aircraft is also being replicated by Born Again Restorations.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-36 / S-38 - СШАUSA - 1927

Martin and Osa Johnson spent two years and covered 60,000 miles in Africa in the 1930s on film work with Sikorsky S-39CS NC52V and S-38 NC29V.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-36 / S-38 - СШАUSA - 1927Sikorsky S-39 - СШАUSA - 1929

H.F. Johnson and his companions pose before their departure on the 1935 expedition. From left: Al Schlanser (chief pilot); J. Hoy (co-pilot/radio operator); H.F. Johnson; Robert Gardiner (purchasing agent); and J.V. Steinle (research director). The journey took three months and covered 15,500 miles.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-36 / S-38 - СШАUSA - 1927

The replica is authentic in virtually every detail, including the hand-crafted wooden furnishings of the cabin. Although elegant, the passenger compartment is very noisy, thanks to the proximity of the two Wasp Junior engines.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-36 / S-38 - СШАUSA - 1927

The replica’s nearly completed hull sits on a dolly at BAR’S workshop. A cross between a pontoon and a boat hull, the structure includes both fore and aft hull-top access hatches.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-36 / S-38 - СШАUSA - 1927

Sikorsky S-38B amphibian

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-36 / S-38 - СШАUSA - 1927