Schweizer S300

The Schweizer S300 is a family of light utility helicopters that began as the Hughes Model 269, a two-seat design that Hughes Tool Company's Aircraft Division started building in September 1955 after a market survey found demand for a low-cost, lightweight helicopter. The prototype flew on 2 October 1956 and the 269 was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration on 9 April 1959. A larger three-seat version was marketed by Hughes as the Hughes 300 from 1964, followed by the improved 300C in 1969. Schweizer Aircraft began building the 300C under licence in 1983 and acquired all rights from McDonnell Douglas in 1986, and the design later passed through Sikorsky ownership to Schweizer RSG. The piston-powered, three-bladed design has been used mainly for training and agriculture, and nearly 3,000 of the 269 and 300 series have been built.