Schweizer Model 300

History

Model 300 is derived from Hughes Helicopter's Model 269 design, which was originally intended to interest the US Army as a combat-grade observation platform to install aging Bell OH-13 and Hiller OH-23 lines - to be replaced type. These were evaluated by the Services in 1957-58 under the designation "YOH-2" but were not adopted due to budget constraints and lack of battlefield value.

It wasn't until 1964 that the helicopter was commissioned for a special training mission for the TH-55 "Osage" and 792 were delivered (Kawasaki of Japan produced an additional 38 for the JGSDF).

Because of this, Hughes Helicopter designs eventually came under the McDonnell Douglas (MD) brand label in 1984 when the company and its assets were merged into MD. In 1986, the Swiss group acquired the rights to use the compact helicopter, and the company developed the product line as the "Type 300C" (Type 296C).

The original form featured a Lycoming HIO-360-D1A engine attached to a larger diameter main rotor 26.9 feet in diameter (up from 25.3 feet). This in turn improves the overall performance of the series, which in turn increases the interest of customers around the world.

The

Model C carries two crew members seated side-by-side, under and behind a glass-enclosed nose for excellent visibility. Structural dimensions include 30.9 ft barrel length, 26.9 ft beam (including rotor) and 8.8 ft height. Curb weight is 1,100 lbs and MTOW is 2,050 lbs.

The HIO-360-D1A engine provides speeds of up to 110 mph (cruising close to 100 mph), a range of up to 205 miles and a rate of climb of almost 750 feet per minute.

The 300CQ "Sky Rider" model demonstrates its strengths as a performer in an urban law enforcement environment and is designed for this segment. These have been fitted with additional noise reduction equipment for urban operations, claiming to reduce the noise produced by small helicopters by up to 75%.

The

300CB model then became the first in-house helicopter development to be produced in-house in Switzerland. Previously, these forms appeared under the Hughes Helicopters/MD Helicopters brand label.

The series switched to a 180-horsepower Textron Lycoming HO-360-C1A engine and made its maiden flight on May 28, 1993. The design was then type-approved in August 1995, paving the way for mass production and official service in virtually any military or civilian airspace.

The "Model CBi" has since been introduced as a fuel-injected version of the 300CB. Additionally, this variant supports some improved survivability traits.

Swiss Model 300 series produced in Argentina (Coast Guard), Brazil (Gendarmerie), Colombia (Air Force), El Salvador (Air Force), Greece (Army), Indonesia (Army), Pakistan (Army), Thailand (Army) , Turkey (Army) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (Law Enforcement). The listing certainly showcases the type's inherent design versatility, capable of operating in urban or open country settings, as well as on land or water.

The S-330/S-333 is a modernized offshoot of the Model 300 released in 1992. This more modern, sleeker product is the basis for North Grumman's MQ-8 Fire Scout drone helicopter (detailed elsewhere on this site). and an improved four-blade Sikorsky S-434 series.

It is powered by a 420 hp Rolls-Royce 250-C20W turboshaft engine and is only in service with the Dominican Air Force and the Saudi Arabian Army (2019). This two- or three-seater model can reach speeds of nearly 120 mph, with a range of up to 365 miles and a climb rate of 1,380 feet per minute.

In 2004, Sikorsky acquired Schweizer and its assets to take advantage of the latter's ability to rapidly test prototype helicopter designs. In 2010, Model 300 production was discontinued, which hampered parts sales and product support causing many Model 300 operators to look for replacements, hurting global interest in the Model 300.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes