About Schweizer

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.