Enstrom Helicopter Corporation

The Enstrom Helicopter Corporation is an American helicopter manufacturer based on the Menominee - Marinette Twin County Airport ( ICAO code: KMNM ) in Menominee (Michigan ), United States

History

In 1959, the lumberjack and mechanic Rudolph " Rudy " J. Enstrom in Menominee in Michigan founded ( 1916-2007 ) the RJ Enstrom Corp.. He was supported by experienced aircraft designers and local businessmen. In the 1960s, Enstrom began with the construction and sale of lightweight helicopter F- 28th In 1965, the F-28 was voted " Michigan Product of the Year ".

In 1970, the U.S. criminal defense lawyer Francis Lee Bailey bought the company and in 1971 she was in Enstrom Helicopter Corp.. renamed. Under Bailey, a new sales and marketing concept was introduced, so that the production in 1979 with 109 machines reached a peak. The Enstrom 280C was awarded in 1975, the approval by the FAA; in the same year led Fortune magazine as one of the types 25 best designs of the year.

After it had Bailey not been able to raise additional capital for future projects, he left the company in 1979. During the following years the company has frequently changed hands (for example, Victor Kiam, Dean Kamen ). The current CEO is Jerry M. Mullins.

The types produced by Enstrom 280FX and F28F are the only helicopters that utilize a piston engine Lycoming O -360 with a turbocharger as aircraft engine. The American Management Association Aerospace Industries Association (AIA ) shows for the last few years an average of twenty -produced helicopters per year.

In January 2013, the companies of the Chongqing Helicopter Investment Co., Ltd. from Chongqing, China was acquired.

Types

Gas turbine drive:

  • Enstrom 480B

Piston motor gear units:

  • Enstrom F- 28F
  • Enstrom 280FX
  • TH180 coach
Types of business entity Chief Executive Officer International Civil Aviation Organization airport code Enstrom F-28 Esquire (magazine)
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