After donation to the NMNA in 1976, the surviving VS-44 was later transferred for an extensive restoration at Sikorsky's Stratford CT airfield, where it was built in 1942. First operated by American Export Airlines with beds, dressing rooms, galley, snack bar, lounge and full ventilation, it was impressed for war service by the USN as JR2S-1 12391, carrying passengers and freight between New York and Foynes, Ireland. In 1949 Tampico Airlines attempted to start freight runs in the Amazon but abandoned the VS-44 in Peru. In the late 1950s it was recovered to California for Avalon Air Transport.

It's 49 years since I'd been to this collection, back then known as the Bradley Air Museum. At that time, the only surviving VS-44 of the three built was lying dismantled and unrestored at the Naval Air Museum, Pensacola, having been donated by Antilles Air Boats who had used it to ferry passengers among the Virgin Islands until damaged beyond repair in January 1969 on hitting rocks while taxiing at Charlotte Amalie. In 1983 it was transferred on permanent loan to NEAM, first being shipped by barge to Sikorsky Memorial Airport, Stratford, CT where restoration took place between 1987 and 1997

Excambian is the only surviving aircraft of three built by Sikorsky for non-stop trans-Atlantic service. Delivered in May, 1942 it then flew passenger-carrying flights painted in USN camouflage. It was under contract to the USN and Army until December, 1944. and then flew scheduled passenger service for American Export Airlines until late in 1945 when it was retired and replaced by land-based Douglas DC-4s. It subsequently flew for several different airlines, including Antilles Air Boats, but was damaged beyond economic repair in 1969. It came to NEAM for restoration and display in 1983.

The last VS-44 flying boat, Excalibur, was sold to Antilles Air Boats in 1967 but damaged while taxiing at Charlotte Amalie on 3 January 1969. It was beached and used as a hot dog stand. It was taken to the NAS Pensacola museum in 1976 and then to the New England Air Museum, near its birthplace in Connecticut, in 1983. Photo by: Chester H Liebs / University of New Mexico

The last surviving Sikorsky VS-44 flying boat.

Built in 1940 and impressed by US Navy as XJRS-1 12391 for transport duties. Released to American Export lines postwar. Flew until damaged in 01.69. The sole survivor of its type.

Built in 1940 for American Export Airlines. Impressed in WW2 by US Navy as 12391. Restored postwar as NC41881 and flew passengers until late 1960s. Now preserved in the NEAM at Windsor Locks, as the last survivor of the type.

The last Sikorsky VS-44, Excambian, now preserved in the New England Air Museum (Windsor Locks, CT), flew short tourist hops from Long Beach, California, to Santa Catalina Island during the 1960s. A quay in Long Beach Harbor was used. The former Municipal Auditorium is in the background on the left. Photo from: San Diego Air & Space Museum

Photo by Harold Martin.

This aircraft is now preserved in the excellent New England Air Museum. Photo by Logan Coombs.