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September 30, 2022

New exhibit highlights Connecticut aviation pioneer Igor I. Sikorsky

PHOTO | CONTRIBUTED Igor I. Sikorsky

A new exhibit dedicated to Igor I. Sikorsky, founder of Sikorsky Aircraft, will make its debut this weekend at Sacred Heart University’s Discovery Science Center & Planetarium.

Sikorsky’s son, Sergei Sikorsky, will speak at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, scheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2 at SHU’s Discovery Science Center & Planetarium, located at 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport. Sergei Sikorsky retired from Sikorsky Aircraft in 1992 as vice president of special projects and remains active as an aviation consultant.

The new exhibit will feature memorabilia - courtesy of Sikorsky Aircraft and the nonprofit Igor I. Sikorsky Historical Archives - of the famed aviator/engineer and aims to educate visitors on Sikorsky’s life and legacy. Sikorsky was a pioneer in airplane and helicopter development.

The Sikorsky exhibit was added to DSCP’s existing “Science in Flight” gallery.

Dan Libertino, president of the Archives, said, “This is what we do. We preserve the legacy of Igor and his company, making it available for generations to learn from.”

PHOTO | CONTRIBUTED
Sacred Heart University's Discovery Science Center & Planetarium

The Archive also provided signage and aircraft models for the exhibit.

DSCP’s Director Erika Eng said the exhibit also features a flight simulator.

“It’s really an excellent piece to spark intergenerational learning,” Eng said. “Grandparents and their grandchildren can have real conversations around innovation and flight and, of course, Sikorsky’s brilliance. We even have a video of flight footage donated by the Archives running on a loop outside of the flight simulator, which also features actual decommissioned helicopter cockpit pieces, generously donated by Sikorsky.”

Eng added that the Sikorsky engineering team partnered with DSCP’s technical staff to create this simulator. Equipped with a 3D-printed aircraft cockpit, pilot controls and simulated visuals, guests will experience what it takes to fly an airplane or a helicopter. They will become a pilot for a day and discover the science of flight firsthand, according to Eng.

In addition to the historical display, Sikorsky Aircraft also donated an aircraft model - a replica of the new U.S. Marine Corps Heavy Lift Helicopter - to the DSCP. The 53K King Stallion will greet all guests as it hovers in the Discovery Center’s atrium.

Libertino, who worked at Sikorsky Aircraft for 41 years, said he’s excited for people, especially kids, to visit the new exhibit.

“Now they can see what Igor accomplished at 18-years old. He had genius instincts. Maybe seeing this exhibit will motivate and inspire young people.”

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