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The Family Tree of the Clippers

More than any other nation, America must have marine aircraft for its international air routes-to South Africa, to Asia, to Australia, and to Europe. Through a decade, Pan American has sponsored the development of such ships. For their purpose, the World has seen no better.

6,000 LBS [[shadow image of airplane]] SIKORSKY S-36

[[image: photo of 2-engine airplane on ground]]

Igor Sikorsky's S-36 amphibian, launched in 1927, was the world's first practical amphibian transport. Pan American found in it an ideal point from which to start development. It carried eight passengers. Wingspread, 72 fr. Length, 34 ft. Engines, two Wright Whirlwinds of 200 hp. each. weight: Empty, 3,500 lb; Loaded 6,000 lb. Cruising speed, 100m.p.h.

10,480 LBS [[shadow image of airplane]] SIKORSKY S-38

[[image: photo of airplane on the ground]]

In 1928, a considerably improved and aerodynamically ceaner version, the Sikorsky S-38, was placed in service. In addition to considerable mail load it carried nine passengers over a range of 600 miles. Two 420 hp. Pratt & Whitney Wasps gave it a cruising speed of 110 m.p.h. Its weight empty was 6,500 lb. When fully loaded it grossed 10,480 lb. Wingspread, 71 ft. 8 in. Length 40 ft. 3 in.

13,800 LBS. [[shadow image of airplane]] SIKORSKY S-41

[[image: photo of airplane on water]]

The next big step forward produced the Sikorsky S-41 in 1931. With a 33 per cent increase in weight, capacity was nearly doubled to 15. With two 575 hp. Pratt & Whitney engines the S-41 weighed 8,100 lb. empty; 13,800 lb. when fully loaded. Its wingspread was 78 ft. 9 in.; its length 45 ft. 2 in. Cruising speed Wass 115 m.p.h.