This 1970s promotional film showcases the new and improved model 300CQ Sky Knight helicopters. At the time, these helicopters were being introduced into police fleets. The “Sky Knight” model was a purpose-built 300C for urban police patrols, with a muffler and other noise attenuating materials and design changes to reduce the helicopter’s noise signature by 75%. The Sky Knight was a development of the Hughes 269 light utility helicopter and was first produced in the early 1960s. It was later manufactured by Schweizer Aircraft, and currently produced by Schweizer RSG. The basic design has now been in production for over 50 years. It features a single, three-bladed main rotor and piston-powered engine, and is mostly used today as a cost-effective platform for training and agriculture.

Peter J. Pitchess, the Sheriff of Los Angeles, stands in front of a Sky Knight helicopter describing how helicopters can benefit the police force (00:09). Close up the signage on a helicopter reads “City of Long Beach Incorporated 1897 Police Department.” The helicopter rises and flies over the harbor and a large ship, the retired RMS Queen Mary. Montage of different helicopters flying over cities such as Tampa, Houston, Kansas City, Phoenix and San Francisco (00:32). Two police officers take off. Shots of the Hughes 300CQ helicopters flying and taking off. Thomas Richard Stuelpnagel aka Tom Stuelpnagel, the Vice President (and later President) of Hughes Helicopters, speaks about their less noisy helicopters in a press briefing on the tarmac (1:21). He gestures to a muffler on the engine before an audience of reporters. Close up of the muffler and signage that reads “Hughes Sky Knight” (2:11). The new helicopter demonstrates the reduced noise level. Aerial view of the golden gate bridge and billowing clouds (3:08). The helicopter flies over San Francisco. San Francisco Police Chief Donald M. Scott, writes at his desk in uniform (3:21). He talks about the cities modified and quit helicopter fleet. The helicopter lands in front of a man.

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