Forgotten Factories: The Companies Behind Aviation’s Icons
Forgotten Factories explores the aircraft manufacturers that created some of aviation’s most iconic machines but have since disappeared, merged with larger companies, or been absorbed into new corporate identities. Each article examines the people, factories, innovations, and aircraft that shaped aviation history—and the legacy these once-famous names left behind.
Schweizer: The Journey of Early Seaplane and Helicopter Pioneer
Schweizer Aircraft built iconic sailplanes, agricultural aircraft and light helicopters, including the SGS 2-33, Ag…
Interstate: The History of the Cadet S-1 Maker
Interstate Aircraft built the Cadet, L-6 and TDR combat drone before shifting from aircraft manufacturing…
Helio: The History of the Developer of the Courier Aircraft
From the Helio Courier to the Stallion, explore the rise, decline and legacy of Helio…
Schweizer: The Journey of Early Seaplane and Helicopter Pioneer
Schweizer Aircraft built iconic sailplanes, agricultural aircraft and light helicopters, including the SGS 2-33, Ag…
Interstate: The History of the Cadet S-1 Maker
Interstate Aircraft built the Cadet, L-6 and TDR combat drone before shifting from aircraft manufacturing…
Enstrom: The Story of One of America’s Piston Helicopter Pioneers
Enstrom grew from Rudy Enstrom’s homemade helicopter experiments into a major US rotorcraft maker, producing…
Hiller: The Tale of Developer of First Civilian Helicopter to Cross the US
Hiller Aircraft pioneered West Coast helicopter manufacturing, developing the UH-12 and experimental rotorcraft while contributing…
Globe: The Little-Known Aircraft Maker Behind the GC-1 Swift
Globe Aircraft Corporation built the GC-1 Swift, wartime trainers and a series of target drones…
TEMCO: The Texas Aircraft Maker That Helped Build America’s Cold War Arsenal
TEMCO grew from a Texas aircraft maker into a Cold War defense and electronics powerhouse,…
EDO: The Tale of the Factory That Once Dominated America’s Aircraft Floats
EDO Aircraft Corporation began with aluminum floats before expanding into aircraft parts, instruments and avionics,…
Curtiss: The Tale of the Largest US WWI Aircraft Manufacturer
Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company helped shape American aviation with the JN-4 Jenny, HS flying…
Republic Aviation: Why the manufacturer of P-47, F-84 disappeared
Republic Aviation built legendary aircraft from the P-47 Thunderbolt and F-84 Thunderjet to the F-105…
Vought: The 109-Year Legacy of Corsair, Crusader Maker
Vought evolved from early Navy aircraft to the F4U Corsair, F-8 Crusader and A-7 Corsair…
Glenn L. Martin Company: The Story of the Builder of Enola Gay and Bockscar Airframe
Glenn L. Martin Company built iconic aircraft from the B-26 Marauder and B-29 Superfortress to…
Fairchild: What Happened to the Early US Aerial Photography Aircraft Pioneer
Fairchild Aviation evolved from an aerial photography pioneer into a major US aircraft manufacturer, producing…
American Eagle: How the World’s Third-Largest Aircraft Manufacturer During the Great Depression Lost its Sky
American Eagle Aircraft Corporation built more than 700 light aircraft before the Great Depression ended…
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