Primarily designers and makers of sailplanes, one of which
(SGS 2-32) fitted with piston engine was tested by Lockheed
Aircraft Corporation as Q-Star for 'quiet reconnaissance'
in Vietnam. On Q-Star was based the Lockheed YO-3A, using Schweizer wings and tail, new fuselage and
muffled engine. Company also built for Grumman
the Ag-Cat agricultural biplane, later for Gulfstream, before
acquiring rights in 1981 (Ag-Cat subsequently produced
by Ag-Cat Corporation). In 1972 acquired rights for
Teal light amphibian, but in 1976 sold them to Teal Aircraft
Corporation. Makes fuselage assemblies for
Piper Aircraft Corporation and structures for Bell Helicopters. Became license-holder for Hughes 300
helicopter in 1983, producing piston-engined three-seat
Model 300C from 1984 to present day and developing
new 3/4-seat Model 330 turboshaft-powered helicopter
(first flown June 1988); also supports Hughes Model 269s.
In 1986 flew the SA 2-37A low-noise special-missions
aircraft suited to surveillance and other roles, followed in
May 1995 by a radical twin-boom SA 2-37A conversion
known as SA 2-38A, two joining the U.S. Coast Guard as
RU-38A Twin Condors for covert patrol and surveillance
(one by conversion, one built as new).
