To that end, Bell Helicopters were able to get their Bell 47 helicopter certified for civilian use on March 8 1946. Whilst military contracts for these helicopters were lucrative, there was significant demand for civilian variants of most utility and light observation helicopters, particularly for corporate and VIP transport use. There was only one problem, however: They were all used exclusively by the world’s militaries. Over the next few years, several more helicopters would enter service. With the financial backing of Vought Aircraft, Sikorsky would build and fly the S-46 (now called the VS-300) for the first time on May 13 1940.Īlthough Sikorsky was the first to build and fly a modern helicopter, he was by no means the only one. Russian-American engineer, Igor Sikorsky, would begin development of what he called the Sikorsky S-46 in 1938. Yet, both of these helicopters can trace their origins back to another helicopter: The Robinson R22.ĭespite having been introduced in 1979, and the company having developed two newer helicopters, Robinson continues to produce the R22 today, with nearly 5,000 having been produced since 1979! Pre-Robinson R22
Today, Robinson Helicopter Company are known for producing some of the best helicopters currently around, including the R44 and R66.