Igor I. Sikorsky’s S-22 design proved to be the World’s first four-engine bomber. Sikorsky named the aircraft “Ilya Muromets” after a tenth-century Russian folk hero. Construction started in August, 1913 and first flight was in January, 1914.

The aircraft had a wing span of 102 feet, a wing area of 1,700 square feet, a gross weight of 10,340 pounds and was powered by four 100 horsepower Argus motors. The cockpit had sufficient space allowing several persons to observe the pilot. Openings on both sides of the fuselage permitted mechanics to climb out on the wings to service the engines during flight. A hatch on the left side provided an exit to the front bridge. Behind the cockpit was a large passenger cabin with four large windows on each side. Placed at the rear was a stairway to the upper bridge and a washroom. Further back was a private cabin which included a berth, small table and cabinet. Lighting was provided by a wind-driven generator and heating was supplied by two long engine exhaust pipes which passed through the corners of the cabin.