The Hughes 269 is a two-seat piston engine trainer that first flew in October of 1956. It was used extensively by the U.S. Army for initial rotory wing training as the TH-55A Osage, 792 of which were eventually built. The TH-55 was the Army's primary training helicopter between 1965 and 1988. Click on the image to the right to see a full-size scan of an advertisement that appeared in the December 8, 1962 issue of Army, Navy, Air Force Journal and Register ("Spokesman of the Services since 1863").

• Dimensions
  • Rotor diameter: 26 feet 10 inches (8.2 meters)
  • Length: 22 feet (6.8 meters)
  • Height: 8 feet 2 inches (2.5 meters)
  • Seating: 2
• Weight
  • Max Gross: 1850 pounds (839 kg)
  • Empty: 1008 pounds (457 kg)
• Performance
  • One 180 hp Lycoming H10-360-A1A piston
  • Max speed:
  • Cruise speed: 64 knots (120 kph)
  • Max climb:
  • Ceiling: 10,200 feet
  • OGE Hover:
  • Range: 195 nautical miles

The Hughes 269 helicopter, a lightweight, piston-engine rotorcraft, traces its origins to the post-World War II era when the burgeoning field of aviation sought innovative designs for training and utility purposes. Introduced in the late 1950s by the Hughes Tool Company’s Aircraft Division, the Hughes 269 was conceived as a simple, reliable, and cost-effective rotorcraft. Its initial prototype, N78P, first took flight on October 2, 1956 in Culver City, California, piloted by Gale Moore. It showcased a clean and practical design aimed at versatility and ease of use, setting the stage for its widespread adoption. The Hughes 269 entered production in 1957, quickly earning a reputation as a dependable training helicopter. With its responsive handling and robust construction, it became a favorite among flight schools, including military institutions, that needed an affordable yet efficient platform for pilot instruction. The helicopter's bubble canopy offered excellent visibility, enhancing its suitability for training and observation roles. The success of the Hughes 269 led to continuous development and refinement. By the early 1960s, it evolved into the TH-55 Osage, a military variant extensively employed by the United States Army for pilot training during the Vietnam War era. The TH-55’s reliability and simplicity in maintenance underscored its status as a foundational tool in shaping a generation of helicopter pilots. Civilian markets also embraced the Hughes 269 for agricultural, aerial photography, and law enforcement applications. Its adaptability allowed it to perform a wide range of tasks, from crop dusting to pipeline inspection. In the 1980s, the design was further advanced under Schweizer Aircraft Corporation after they acquired the manufacturing rights, rebranding it as the Schweizer 300. This ensured the helicopter's longevity, as subsequent upgrades improved its performance and safety features.

Hughes transferred production of the 269 to Schweizer Aircraft, which builds 300C, 300CB and 300CBi helicopters. In 2009 the helicopter was renamed the Sikorsky S-300.