Schweizer Aircraft
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Schweizer 300C
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Schweizer SGS 2-33A training glider
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Schweizer SGS 1-26B
The Schweizer Aircraft Corporation, located in Horseheads, New York, was incorporated in 1939 by three Schweizer brothers, who built their first glider in 1930. Primarily a manufacturer of sailplanes and helicopters, Schweizer is now a diversified aerospace company. Previously the oldest privately owned aircraft company in the United States, Schweizer was acquired by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation of Stratford, Connecticut in 2004.
HelicoptersSchweizer primarily produces light, piston-engined helicopters for use in utility and flight-training roles. The Schweizer 300CBi is one of the most widely-used training helicopters in the world, eclipsed only by the Robinson R22. The popularity of Schweizer helicopters for training purposes has risen in recent years due to Federal Aviation Administration regulations concerning the use of the Robinson R22 in a training environment.[citation needed] SailplanesSchweizer is perhaps known best for its popular line of gliders (sailplanes), the earliest of which (the model SGP 1-1) was produced in 1930. Although very few of the early gliders were built, later models gained popularity, such as the SGS 2-8 and 2-12, which were adopted by the U.S. Army Air Corps for training as the TG-2 and TG-3, respectively.[1] In the 1960s the Schweizer Aircraft Corporation designed and manufactured its line the very popular gliders: SGS 1-26 and SGS 2-33. They are easy to fly, with simple construction, and are quite rugged and forgiving. The 2-33 was adopted by the United States Air Force Academy as the TG-4, for use in introductory airmanship training.[2] The Academy used over a dozen such gliders until 2002 when they were replaced by more modern sailplanes. The Royal Canadian Air Cadets continue to operate a fleet of over fifty 2-33As. Other popular Schweizer gliders include the single-seat SGS 1-26 and the two or three-seat 2-32, both of which can be found in many soaring clubs and in private ownership across the United States. Other projectsIn partnership with Northrop Grumman (formerly Ryan Aeronautical), Schweizer is developing the MQ-8 Fire Scout helicopter UAV. Schweizer is currently participating in development of Sikorsky's X-2 Demonstrator, a prototype aircraft using co-axial rotor blades with a pusher propeller for extra forward thrust. Current product lineCurrent helicopter products offered by the company include the Models 300C, 300CBi, and 333. ReferencesExternal links
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