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The
Helio
Courier
Story
The
Super Courier is a light utility transport developed from a civilian design
first tested in 1949. Its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability allows
it to operate from a clearing the size of a football field, and its ability
to fly very slowly at speeds of approximately 25 to 35 mph makes it an
excellent aircraft for visual reconnaissance. The original version
of the US Air Force (USAF), Super Courier made its first flight in 1958.
The USAF purchased three aircraft for evaluation the same year, designating
them L-28As and later redesigning them U-10As. Eventually, more than 100
additional U-10As were ordered, mainly for use by air commando units in
Southeast Asia. It was used for liaison, light cargo, small supply drop
operations, psychological warfare (dropping leaflets and broadcasting propaganda),
forward air controller (FAC) and reconnaissance missions.
President
of Helio Aircraft Corp., Lynn L. Bollinger, described Helio No. 1 as first
successful pioneering attempt in US to develop short field airplane with
sufficient control and stability to permit day to day STOL operations even
in unfavorable wind conditions. Had good control characteristics
down to 28 mph. Aircraft is highly modified Piper Vagabond PA-17*.
Successor, Helio Courier, used identical high lift and control devices
to make short takeoffs and landings (under 40 mph) practical under operational
conditions. Bollinger claims first US design capable of taking off and
landing within 500 ft over 50 ft barriers with adequate control and stability.
Automatic slat used in combination with high lift slot and flap not new
when first Helioplane built. A unique factor in Helio design was use of
lateral roll control augmentor which appears physically similar to a spoiler.
Although functions as spoiler, more importantly, is aerodynamically placed
so controls flow of air through slat gap and, thus, influences pressure
pattern for leading edge slat. Bollinger credits Prof. Koppen's skillful
design and placement of other aerodynamic control surfaces (in combination
with roll control augmentor) as basis for successful and practical STOL
aircraft.
* - Some speculation has been made as to the original prototype Helio aircraft... Some say a Piper Pioneer, but I have inside information that tells me it is a PA-17 as/per Otto Koppen.
"Ol No. 1" rolled off the production line at Helio Aircraft Corp. in June of 1954. It was the first Helio Courier ever produced, besides the prototype. It was purchased by a private owner, and then some years later given to JAARS, and based at JAARS - Townsend Field near Waxhaw, North Carolina. Where it is still flown today as a training and demonstration aircraft. JAARS' Helio Couriers are used primarily for transporting Wycliffe Bible Translators in and out of remote areas of the world. However, Helio Two Four Two Bravo has never been overseas on any assignment. JAARS' fleet includes about 15 Helios. JAARS is the technical service arm of Wycliffe Bible Translators (headquartered in Orlando, Florida). See JAARS Stats for aircraft and crew.
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Charter Helios Hank's Aero Adventures Helio Courier Parts Richard Rhoades, Air America Pilot Tony Dyer, Bush Pilot |
