History
Our story begins with the dream of one man and continues with loyal customers around the world.
1957
A photo of Rudy Enstrom testing one of his homebuilt helicopters in a quarry in the Upper Peninsula town of Crystal Falls, Michigan. This shows his third attempt in the winter of 1957. An iron mine mechanic with little knowledge of helicopter design, Rudy was able to patent three designs that were initially used to design this aircraft.
1960
Founder Rudy Enstrom, President Jack Christensen and Salesman Fred Hill try out N195D, a two-bladed experimental helicopter called the F-27. October 1960. Photo taken by Enstrom Engineer Al Ballauer.
1967
Enstrom reputation reaches France at the Le Mans 24-hour race, possibly the most famous motorsports race in the world.
1975
The Enstrom 280C, FAA certified in 1975 and recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the 25 best designs of that year.
1980
Enstrom introduces the F28F Falcon as the workhorse of the Enstrom fleet. This helicopter serves police forces, agricultural sprayers, training organizations, utility workers, private fliers and wildlife conservationists around the world. FAA Certified in 1980, the F28F has a long history as a safe, hard working, quality product.
1993
The 480 series of Enstrom turbine helicopters were introduced upon FAA certification in November 1993. It quickly established itself as the best value-for-the-money aircraft in the light turbine class.
2004
In 2004, Enstrom delivered 18 – 480B’s to the Indonesian National Police.
2010
Enstrom delivers the first of 30 – 480B’s to the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force for pilot training.
2011
Enstrom delivers 10 of the 10 480B helicopters to the Royal Thai Army to be used for advanced pilot training.
2012
Enstrom completes the order for the Royal Thai Army by delivering 16 helicopters. Work begins on the Japan contract, with eight helicopters delivered by the end of the year.
The year ends with Enstrom being purchased by Chongqing Helicopter Investment Co., Ltd. (CQHIC). Orders are placed from three Chinese companies for ten aircraft.
2013
Enstrom delivers the second ten helicopters to Japan to complete the requirements for 2013; a further ten aircraft are to be delivered in 2014. Argentina receives two, to be used as Emergency Medical Services vehicles. A contract is signed with Venezuela to deliver 16 training helicopters.
The company also undertakes an expansion project, doubling the size of its facility and increasing its workforce. The new space is scheduled for completion in early 2014.
2014
The expansion project is completed, and departments move into their new spaces with an eye toward efficiency and productivity.
The final two ships of the Japan contract are delivered, bringing a successful program to completion.
Development of the new trainer TH180 continues, after a well-received unveiling of a mockup at HAI.
2015
The final four ships of the Japan contract were accepted.
2016
Enstrom delivers three helicopters to Sharkey’s Helicopters in nine months.
2017
Enstrom announces the sale of piston powered 280FX helicopters to Pakistan.
2018
Enstrom completed a successful acceptance of four piston 280FX helicopters to Global Services and Solutions of Pakistan.
2019
Enstrom delivers our newest 280FX to the French training company, Golf Tango.
The company debuts improvements to the 280FX at the Heli-Expo.
Enstrom announces the sale of six turbine powered 480B aircraft to M-Landarch in Thailand.
2020
Enstrom announces a multi-aircraft agreement with the Botswana Police-Air Support Branch.
2021
Enstrom delivers two helicopters to the Peruvian Air Force.
2022
Surack Enterprises purchases the Enstrom Helicopter Corporation.