Model 300CBi Goes To Helicopter Adventures, Inc.

Schweizer Aircraft Corp. will deliver its milestone 6,000th aircraft, a Model 300CBi helicopter, at Heli-Expo 2007 to flight training center Helicopter Adventures, Inc. The new Helicopter Adventures' 300CBi will be on display in the Schweizer static exhibit at HAI, March 1-3.

Representatives with Schweizer tell ANN more than 1,000 of those 6,000 aircraft have been helicopters. The balance includes sailplanes, agricultural airplanes, special-purpose fixed-wing and unmanned vehicles. Schweizer-manufactured aircraft are operated in 70 countries.

"When my father and his brothers formed this company some 70 years ago, I doubt that they could have imagined this day in their wildest dreams," said President Paul Schweizer. "But I'm proud to say that their legacy of innovation and passion for aviation is alive and well at Schweizer."

Prior to becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Sikorsky in 2004, Schweizer Aircraft was the oldest privately held company in the US. As part of the Sikorsky family, Schweizer has achieved healthy sales, and new opportunities for innovation.

• According to Schweizer, the company's 2006 highlights include:
• Delivery of four 300C helicopters to the Mexican Navy
• Increased penetration of the European and South American markets
• Growing popularity of the 300CBi for training operations worldwide
• Sikorsky's dedication of a 100,000-square-foot Rapid Prototyping and Military Derivatives Completion Center (RPMDCC) known as Sikorsky HAWK WORKS @ Schweizer Aircraft
• Establishment of a new overhaul and repair facility, expanding Schweizer's support capabilities and improving turn times and spares availability

Schweizer manufactures three proprietary commercial helicopters: the piston-powered Model 300CTM and 300CBiTM helicopters and the turbine-powered Model 333TM helicopter.

One of Schweizer's newest business sectors is unmanned helicopters. Schweizer manufactures the Fire Scout VTUAV air vehicle under subcontract to Northrop Grumman. This unmanned vehicle will operate autonomously from land and sea to meet U.S. Navy and Army requirements for reconnaissance and precision targeting.

Schweizer has also been an airframe subcontractor to the aerospace industry for over 60 years.

(Photos courtesy of Mike Reyno)

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