The first S-39 X963M with Igor Sikorsky standing right. Like a smaller S-38, it had two lower-power engines, the 100 hp 4-cyl in-line Cirrus Hermes I, the failure of a fuel pump on one resulting in its crashing on its third flight. It had twin booms and twin fins and rudders.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-39 - СШАUSA - 1929

Single-engined prototype X963M, now modified with a single fin and large balanced rudder. Although a monoplane, struts in place of a lower wing allowed a similar braced structure to the sesquiplane format of the S-38.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-39 - СШАUSA - 1929

NC887W c/n 901 also appeared originally without the deeper rudder and was sold to Hamilton Standard. Carrying pilot and 4 passengers, the S-39 was aimed at the executive and luxury end of the market and only 21 production aircraft were built.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-39 - СШАUSA - 1929

NC807W c/n 909 about to be flown by Sikorsky pilot George Meissner from the factory 16.12.30. Note the 'DANGER' stripes on the nose below the propeller arc. Like NC42V pictured earlier, this example has the inscription 'Hamilton Standard Propeller Corp. Service' on the tail boom.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-39 - СШАUSA - 1929

The undercarriage of the prototype S-39 was modified to replace the long telescoping leg with a short one anchored to the hull below the windscreen. This became the standard as shown here in the retracted position on an early production S-39A.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-39 - СШАUSA - 1929

NC804W c/n 905 was photographed by William T Larkins in 1938 when it was owned by Paul Mantz. Mantz was well known for his film activities and on one of these was killed in the crash of the Timm-designed Phoenix on 8.7.65.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-39 - СШАUSA - 1929

NC42V c/n 900X was the first production S-39A. The deeper rudder which later became standard was not yet fitted when it was photographed by Steve Hudek when taking part as No.19 in the 1930 National Air Tour flown by Sikorsky pilot George Meissner.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-39 - СШАUSA - 1929

The second prototype was given a different c/n but used the same registration as the first, X963M. It had a metal hull and was powered by a single 300 hp P&W Wasp Junior 9-cyl radial engine. The prototype retained the long undercarriage legs of the S-38.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-39 - СШАUSA - 1929

NC806W c/n 908, seen at Croydon after arrival 10.30, came onto the British register as G-ABFN. It returned to America and as NC806W the deeper rudder and a Townend ring were then fitted.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-39 - СШАUSA - 1929

NC809W c/n 911 was unusual in having a fully-cowled engine. Here it has a rectangular platform mounted on the nose to provide a floor for mechanics working on the engine.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky S-39 - СШАUSA - 1929