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.
This photo is copyright © Richard Vandervord, and may not be used or published in any way without permission.
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