Tue, Oct 25, 2005
Schweizer Aircraft celebrated a
significant milestone at its facility by delivering the 1000th
Schweizer helicopter in company history, a 300CBi, to Gerry and
Bonny Friesen of BC Helicopters. The 300CBi is part of the
venerable 269 Series, which Schweizer purchased from Hughes
Helicopters in 1983. Schweizer is a subsidiary of Sikorsky
Aircraft, which is part of United Technologies Corp.
Executives and employees from Schweizer and Sikorsky along with
representatives from BC Helicopters attended the ceremony. Paul
Schweizer, Schweizer's president, said the delivery marked a
momentous day in company history.
"The transition of the 269 Series program from Hughes
Helicopters to Schweizer Aircraft has been a true success story.
The purchase of the 269 Series enabled Schweizer to diversify its
product base, increase its manufacturing and engineering
sophistication, and expand its business. With the support of our
employees, the 269 Series helicopter program has been revitalized
and expanded, making this important achievement today a possibility
and enabling Schweizer to become a leader in both light helicopters
and unmanned vehicles," said president Paul Schweizer.
BC Helicopters is based in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The
1000th Schweizer helicopter is the company's 11th new 300CBi since
2001. "I would like to thank all the engineers, assemblers and
production staff at Schweizer for building a truly amazing machine.
After 27 years of flying many types of helicopters, I chose the
300CBi because I believe it is the best helicopter on the market
for training," said Gerry Friesen of BC Helicopters.
In addition to the 269 Series, Schweizer manufactures the Fire
Scout VTUAV. Derived from the Model 333, the Fire Scout is the most
technologically advanced VTUAV in the world.
Prior to entering the helicopter business, Schweizer Aircraft
had a worldwide reputation as a producer of sailplanes and
agricultural aircraft and as a subcontractor to the U.S. aerospace
industry. When acquired by Sikorsky in September 2004, Schweizer
was the oldest privately owned aircraft manufacturer in the
world.
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