Hughes Helicopters
USA Est. 1947 1984 (acquired by McDonnell Douglas)
Howard Hughes's helicopter division created some of the most iconic rotorcraft ever built. The OH-6 Cayuse and its civilian Model 500 became the most recognizable light helicopters in the world, while the AH-64 Apache redefined attack helicopter capability.
Heritage
Hughes Helicopters emerged from the Hughes Aircraft Company's rotorcraft work. The compact, agile OH-6 Cayuse earned the nickname 'Loach' in Vietnam. Its civilian variant, the Model 500, became a TV and film star — most famously as TC's helicopter in Magnum, P.I. The Apache, developed for the Army's Advanced Attack Helicopter program, remains the world's premier attack helicopter four decades later.
Known for
helicopter
Notable programs
- OH-6 Cayuse (Loach)
- Hughes 500 / MD 500
- AH-64 Apache
- H-4 Hercules (Spruce Goose)