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About Schweizer
Schweizer manufactures the proven piston-powered S300C and S300CBi helicopters as well as the turbine-powered S333 helicopter. Maintaining the highest safety record of all FAA-certified piston-powered helicopters as reported by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), our S300C and S300CBi are the preferred light piston helicopters for training and many additional critical missions around the world.
Based in Fort Worth, Texas, with service centers around the globe, Schweizer manufactures the aircraft and provides comprehensive customer service, technical support, and spare parts for customers worldwide. We also provide the industry’s only refurbished and certified preowned helicopter purchase program where we overhaul and refurbish our aircraft and offer them for sale backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.
Schweizer’s History
Schweizer enjoys a long and storied history. In 1955, Hughes Tool Company’s Aircraft Division, which would later become Hughes Helicopters, conducted a market survey that uncovered a demand for a low-cost, lightweight two-seat helicopter. It began developing its first helicopter, the Hughes 269 later that year for the U.S. Army, which took to the skies for its first flight in 1956. The helicopter proved to be a very reliable and safe aircraft used to train more than 60,000 Army aviators. It is this aircraft that is the Schweizer 300CBi today.
In 1964, Hughes introduced a slightly larger three-seat Hughes 269B, which was marketed as the Hughes 300. That aircraft was followed by an improved Hughes 300C. With a more powerful engine and increased rotor diameter, the 300C was certified in 1970.
In 1984, McDonnell Douglas purchased Hughes Helicopters. Then, in 1986, Schweizer acquired all rights to the helicopters from McDonnell Douglas. In 2004, Schweizer was purchased by Sikorsky Aircraft Company and operated until it was sold in 2018 to private individuals with investor backing who created a new company with the Schweizer name.
Schweizer today is privately owned and operated by individuals and backed by committed investors with tremendous passion for the outstanding light helicopter line. The timeless, reliable, and safe S300C, S300CBi, and S333 light helicopters and their parts are manufactured by Schweizer in Fort Worth, Texas.
