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Hughes Helicopters (1947-1984) was a great company. Every one of their products either filled or created a niche. Their products were by and large reliable and effective and the company demonstrated innovative solutions in their responses to and development of the market.
In 1975, three years after the US Army cancelled the Cheyenne project, Hughes flew their YAH-64A prototype which was to win out over Bell's YAH-63A in the US Army's Advanced Attack Helicopter competition. The YAH-64A was to become the AH-64A Apache and the rest, as they say, is history.
The post-Hughes timeline:
1984 - McDonnell Douglas purchases Hughes Helicopters.
Everything still okay.
1986 - Schweizer acquires all rights to the Hughes 269/300 helicopter from McDonnell Dougals.
Everything still okay but, the company loses a unique asset in that despite Robinson's success, the 300 represented ongoing commercial potential.
1997 - McDonnell Douglas merges with Boeing.
Everything still okay.
1998 - Boeing's intention to sell MDHC's civilian line to Bell Helicopter is thwarted by the US Federal Trade Commission.
Not realised at the time but likely to have been the last chance café for MDHC's civilian line.
1999 - Boeing sells the civilian line of helicopters to MD Helicopter Holdings.
The death knell for MDHC's civilian line.
2005 - MD Helicopter Holdings is purchased by Patriarch Partners.
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The 1975 ad by Hughes Helicopters promoting what would become the Apache. A development which would transform Hughes' fortunes - and the future direction of the company.
S.