Schweizer Aircraft celebrated a significant milestone at its facility today 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. (NYSE:UTX).
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.
Schweizer manufactures the Model 300CBi, 300C and 333 helicopters, the Fire Scout VTUAV, SA 2-37B and RU-38B surveillance airplanes, and a wide range of major airframe components under subcontract to the U.S. aerospace industry. Schweizer sells and supports its aircraft through a worldwide network of sales and service centers.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of advanced helicopters for commercial, industrial and military uses. United Technologies Corp., of Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
