Hughes 269/300 family

The Hughes 269, later redesignated the 300 series, is a light, single‑engine helicopter that entered service in the early 1960s and became one of the most enduring civil rotorcraft ever built. Developed by Hughes Helicopters as a modern replacement for the H-34, the prototype first flew on 16 October 1959 and received certification in September 1964. Powered initially by a 190‑horsepower Lycoming O-360‑B1A, the aircraft featured a fully articulated three‑blade rotor, a spacious cabin with side‑by‑side seating for two pilots and up to three passengers, and a simple, rugged airframe that could be equipped with floats, skids, or wheels. Over the decades the type evolved into the 300C, 300E and 300F variants, incorporating more powerful engines, upgraded avionics and optional glass‑cockpit displays. Its low operating cost, forgiving handling and excellent visibility made it popular with flight schools, law‑enforcement agencies, medical‑evacuation teams and corporate users worldwide. More than 4,500 units were produced, and the design’s reliability helped establish the light‑helicopter market segment, influencing later models such as the Robinson R44 and shaping helicopter training standards globally. Today the 300 series remains in limited service with museums and private collectors, underscoring its lasting impact on rotary‑wing design.

Hughes Helicopters

Hughes 269/300 family

Classification

Dimensions

Production & History

Design & Classification