Schweizer Aircraft was an American manufacturer established in Elmira, New York, in 1939 by the Schweizer brothers. It became particularly important to American gliding through training and sporting sailplanes, while also manufacturing powered aircraft and helicopters. The later Texas-based Schweizer helicopter business continues a portion of its product heritage.[1]Paul A. SchweizerNational Soaring Museum · soaringmuseum.org · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]William SchweizerNational Soaring Museum · soaringmuseum.org · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[3]About SchweizerSchweizer RSG · schweizerrsg.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Gliding origins
The brothers built their first glider in 1930 and taught themselves to fly it. Their early interest developed into engineering and production work, and the company settled near the established soaring centre at Harris Hill. Two-seat trainers and metal sailplanes became important products, supporting clubs and military training. Ernest concentrated on design, Paul combined business work with soaring advocacy, and William handled other industrial responsibilities. Their activities helped connect aircraft manufacture with the wider sporting and instructional community surrounding American gliding.[1]Paul A. SchweizerNational Soaring Museum · soaringmuseum.org · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]William SchweizerNational Soaring Museum · soaringmuseum.org · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
A broader manufacturing business
Although sailplanes remained central to the founders' interests, Schweizer also carried out subcontract manufacturing and built the Ag Cat agricultural aircraft. Helicopters later became another major activity. In 1986 the company acquired rights to the Hughes-derived light-helicopter line from McDonnell Douglas. This brought an established training and utility aircraft family into the business. Further development produced turbine-powered versions, extending Schweizer's range beyond its piston helicopters. The diversification linked the original glider manufacturer with several distinct areas of general aviation.[2]William SchweizerNational Soaring Museum · soaringmuseum.org · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[3]About SchweizerSchweizer RSG · schweizerrsg.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Sikorsky ownership and later successors
Sikorsky acquired Schweizer in 2004, ending the family's ownership of the company. The original operation closed in 2012. In 2018 a separate privately backed enterprise acquired the Schweizer helicopter assets from Sikorsky and established activity in Fort Worth, Texas. The current business manufactures and supports the S300C, S300CBi and S333 families and provides spare parts, technical assistance and refurbishment. This helicopter succession is separate from the original Elmira company's broader history of sailplanes, agricultural aircraft and subcontract production.[2]William SchweizerNational Soaring Museum · soaringmuseum.org · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[3]About SchweizerSchweizer RSG · schweizerrsg.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details