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Today in History: Igor Sikorsky flies Russky Vityaz first four-engine plane

5/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 13 May 1913, Igor Sikorsky piloted his own Russky Vityaz—also known as the Russian Knight—from the Russian Baltic Railroad Car Works in Saint Petersburg. The four-engine fixed-wing aircraft was the world’s first of its type, proving large multi-engine planes could fly reliably and paving the way for future airliners and bombers.

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Story summary

On 13 May 1913, Igor Sikorsky piloted his own Russky Vityaz—also known as the Russian Knight—from the Russian Baltic Railroad Car Works in Saint Petersburg. The four-engine fixed-wing aircraft was the world’s first of its type, proving large multi-engine planes could fly reliably and paving the way for future airliners and bombers.