FOR THE NEW YORK - SOUTHAMPTON SERVICE? A four-engined Sikorsky flying boat in course of construction fof American Export Airlines. It may be put on the Atlantic run.
Excambian under construction in mid-1941. The aircraft already carries the overall grey paint scheme. Note the hinged wing leading-edge sections on either side of each Pratt & Whitney engine. They served as fold-down servicing platforms for the engines.
The first VS-44A under construction with engineers working on engines from the platforms formed by fold-down portions of the wing leading edge. The wing and engine installations were made by Vought.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky PBS / VS-44 Excalibur - СШАUSA - 1937

The first VS-44A NX41880 is christened "Excalibur" by Mrs Henry Wallace, wife of the US Vice President, on 17.1.42. It made its first flight the next day, just 42 days after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky PBS / VS-44 Excalibur - СШАUSA - 1937

VS-44A "Excambian" N41881, abandoned in Peru, was recovered to the USA by Wilton "Dick" Probed and restored as a 47-seater as seen here with the name "Excalibur" on the nose. It was then used 1957-1967 by Avalon Air Transport.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky PBS / VS-44 Excalibur - СШАUSA - 1937

N41881, seen taking off while with Avalon Air Transport, went to Antilles Air Boats, US Virgin Islands, in 1968. The following year it was damaged on rocks at St Thomas and remained beached until presented to the Naval Museum.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky PBS / VS-44 Excalibur - СШАUSA - 1937

The first Sikorsky VS-44A, Excalibur, registered NX41880. The 'boat carries the American flag prominently on its bow, although it is not yet painted in the overall grey colour scheme all three flying-boats carried during their Naval Air Transport Service careers.
NX41880 "Excalibur" in AEA colours on an early test flight. The blunt end shape of the tail turret is the same as the XPBS-1 except for the deletion of the transparencies.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky PBS / VS-44 Excalibur - СШАUSA - 1937

A low pass from NX41880, this view serving to emphasise the extensive window area of the civil VS-44A.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky PBS / VS-44 Excalibur - СШАUSA - 1937

"Excambian" stored at the NAS Museum at Pensacola in 1982. It was overhauled for preservation while with the New England Air Museum in Connecticut and remains the sole surviving VS-44A.
The sole remaining Vought-Sikorsky VS-44A, N41881, c/n. 4402, photographed early this year at the Pensacola Naval Air Museum, Florida, by Dr. Christopher A. L. Mahaffy

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky PBS / VS-44 Excalibur - СШАUSA - 1937

An official wartime silhouette was issued for the VS-44A as examples were operating in the Atlantic combat area.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky PBS / VS-44 Excalibur - СШАUSA - 1937