Schweizer Aircraft history

1959 – Hughes 269 received FAA certification – was Hughes’ first major helicopter success.

1964 – Hughes 300 introduced, 3 seat configuration.

1969 – Hughes 300C released, 45% payload increase.

In 1972 Schweizer hired David Thurston and production of his Thurston Teal was part of the agreement to work at Schweizer.

The company produced three Schweizer TSC-1A1 Teals and nine TSC-1A2 Teal IIs before production was moved to Teal Aircraft in 1976.

In 1981 Schweizer bought the rights to the design and continued production under the name Schweizer Ag Cat.

The development of the Schweizer SGM 2-37 two-place motor glider for the United States Air Force Academy in 1982 led to a new area of expertise for the company.

1984 – Hughes Tooling sold to McDonnell Douglas.

Then in 1986, Schweizer acquired all rights to the helicopters from McDonnell Douglas.

1987 – Schweizer develops the 330, turbine powered helicopter.

In 1995 Schweizer sold the rights to the Ag Cat to Ag-Cat Corp. of Malden, Texas.

1997 – The 330SP is introduced, improved gear and rotor.

In February 2001 the design was sold to Allied Ag-Cat Productions Inc. of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas.

The Academy used over a dozen such gliders until 2002 when they were replaced by more modern sailplanes.

At the time the business was sold to Sikorsky Aircraft in 2004, Schweizer Aircraft was the oldest privately–owned aircraft manufacturer in the world.

2006 – The RQ-8B Firescout is developed.

2008 – The M-434 helicopter is introduced.

Helicopter products offered by the company in February 2009 included the 300C, 300CBi, and 333.

United Technology Corporation (UTC), then parent company of Sikorsky, shut down Schweizer in December 2012.

2015 – Sikorsky purchased by Lockheed Martin.