Donating the VS-300

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Henry Ford collected modern inventions alongside historic items. He acquired the VS-300 helicopter from inventor Igor Sikorsky only four years after the aircraft's introduction. Sikorsky formally presented it to The Henry Ford on October 7, 1943.

Henry Ford collected modern inventions alongside historic items. He acquired the VS-300 helicopter from inventor Igor Sikorsky only four years after the aircraft's introduction. Sikorsky formally presented it to The Henry Ford on October 7, 1943.

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Igor Sikorsky Landing the VS-300 Helicopter before Presenting it to Henry Ford Museum, October 7, 1943

Photographic print

Igor Sikorsky donated his pioneering VS-300 helicopter to The Henry Ford in October 1943. During the presentation ceremony, Sikorsky and his test pilot demonstrated the helicopter's exceptional maneuverability. They slipped the aircraft's nose probe through a small ring, set one of its wheels on a handkerchief spread on the ground, and carried souvenir "air mail" letters in its front basket.

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Igor Sikorsky Landing the VS-300 Helicopter at Henry Ford Museum before Presenting it to Henry Ford, October 7, 1943

Photographic print

Igor Sikorsky donated his pioneering VS-300 helicopter to The Henry Ford in October 1943. During the presentation ceremony, Sikorsky and his test pilot demonstrated the helicopter's exceptional maneuverability. They slipped the aircraft's nose probe through a small ring, set one of its wheels on a handkerchief spread on the ground, and carried souvenir "air mail" letters in its front basket.

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Igor Sikorsky in the VS-300 Helicopter before Presenting it to Henry Ford, October 7, 1943

Photographic print

Russian-American inventor Igor Sikorsky first experimented with helicopters in 1909, but he soon realized that the technology of that time was insufficient. He moved to fixed-wing craft and built the first four-engine airplane in 1913. Sikorsky returned to helicopters in 1939 with the successful VS-300. After further refinements, Sikorsky donated the helicopter to The Henry Ford in 1943.

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Igor Sikorsky (left) with the VS-300 Helicopter before Presenting it to Henry Ford, October 7, 1943

Photographic print

Igor Sikorsky donated his pioneering VS-300 helicopter to The Henry Ford in October 1943. During the presentation ceremony, Sikorsky and his test pilot demonstrated the helicopter's exceptional maneuverability. They slipped the aircraft's nose probe through a small ring, set one of its wheels on a handkerchief spread on the ground, and carried souvenir "air mail" letters in its front basket.

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Igor Sikorsky Speaking during the Presentation of the VS-300 Helicopter to Henry Ford Museum, October 7, 1943

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Igor Sikorsky donated his VS-300 to The Henry Ford in 1943. In remarks at the ceremony, Sikorsky predicted that the helicopter would not replace the airplane or automobile, but "it will render a service that no other vehicle can." He stated that he was happy to have the VS-300 in the museum, and eagerly awaited further helicopter development after World War II.

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Igor Sikorsky and Henry Ford at the Presentation of the VS-300 Helicopter to Henry Ford Museum, October 7, 1943

Photographic print

Henry Ford never intended his Edison Institute -- today's The Henry Ford -- only to be about the past. Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village would inspire the institute's students and visitors to create the future. Ford collected modern inventions alongside historic items. He acquired the VS-300 helicopter from inventor Igor Sikorsky in 1943 -- only four years after the aircraft's introduction.

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Henry Ford II, Charles Lindbergh, Les Morris, Henry Ford and Igor Sikorsky at the VS-300 Helicopter Presentation, October 7, 1943

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Henry Ford and helicopter innovator Igor Sikorsky shared a mutual friend in Charles Lindbergh, the pilot celebrated for his 1927 solo transatlantic flight. When Sikorsky mentioned his admiration for Ford to Lindbergh, Lindbergh arranged an introduction. The meeting ultimately led to Sikorsky donating his VS-300 helicopter to The Henry Ford in 1943 at a ceremony attended by all three men.

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