Igor Ivanovich Sikorsky was an outstanding inventor. At 24, he presented to Nicholas II the world's first multi-engine aircraft, the "Russian Knight," which marked the beginning of the heavy aviation era. Later, Sikorsky became the founder of helicopter construction.

Aircraft construction in the early 20th century was a pursuit for fanatical and brave individuals. Flights on small airplanes with wooden fuselages were the privilege of the chosen few. Despite the frequent accidents of the early flying machines, aviation pioneers did not give up. Sikorsky personally tested his gliders and often found himself on the brink of disaster. On June 3, 1910, he first took to the air in the BiS-2 aircraft as a 22-year-old student. During World War I, Sikorsky embarked on a bold project to create a four-engine aircraft capable of operating in the harsh conditions of the Russian climate. This aircraft was to be reliable and repairable in flight. In March 1913, such an aircraft was built and named "Grand," later renamed "Russian Knight." Nicholas II personally inspected the aircraft and boarded it, awarding the young inventor with a gold watch.

This aircraft, surpassing all previous ones in size and weight, laid the foundation for a new direction in aviation, heavy aircraft construction. Not accepting the revolution, Sikorsky emigrated to the USA, where he gathered a team of like-minded emigrants and founded his company. Many Russian emigrants assisted his "Russian firm."

In America, Sikorsky was able to work productively, developing amphibious aircraft and other machines, and returned to his childhood dream of creating helicopters. His efforts were successful, and he became the creator of the first helicopters, some of which are still in use today.