The Super Courier, a more powerful derivative, was used by the US Air Force from 1958 onward, and by Air America during the Vietnam War as the U-10. powered by a geared Lycoming GSO-480 (340 hp), only one was built. In 1957 a "Strato Courier" set an altitude record over Mexico City, Mexico at 31,200 ft. The first production Courier (Serial Number 001, dubbed "Ol' Number 1") is currently owned and operated by JAARS. The first one was certified in July 1954 and powered by the 260hp Lycoming GO-435-C2B2. With a minimum-control speed of around 28 mph, the Courier is perfectly suited for confined off-airport operations. Helios are also capable of being float equipped, both straight and amphibious floats being offered. A tri-gear model was produced, but is unsuitable for unprepared rough terrain. The Helio has its main gear placement far forward of the cabin enabling hard braking on unprepared landing areas. The design of the Helio features a large vertical tail surface and rudder for control at very low flight speeds, however, on conventional geared aircraft (taildraggers), the airplane tends to be cross-wind sensitive, thus a cross-wind gear option is available allowing the main tires to caster left or right 20 degrees, increasing the cross-wind component to 25 mph. The slats contribute to the Helio's outstanding short takeoff and landing ( STOL) capability, and allow for stall/spin-proof controllable flight, in conjunction with the leading-edge slats, 74% of the trailing edge incorporates high lift slotted flaps, together with interceptor blades atop each wing when roll control is lost a very low airspeed, allows for turn radius within the wingspan of the airplane. The wings are of conventional aluminum construction, but feature Handley-Page leading edge slats that deploy automatically when the aircraft's airspeed falls below a certain value (55-60 mph). The all-aluminum airframe features a welded 15G steel-tube roll cage, complete with shoulder harnesses that protect the occupants in an emergency. 18 aircraft were built and no Helios have been produced since. Two models were produced, the H-800 and H-700. The new models also featured modest winglets. In a further effort to reduce weight, a new composite landing gear was featured. During the early 1980s, new owners (Helio Aircraft Ltd.) made an attempt to build new aircraft with direct-drive Lycoming engines, to replace troublesome and expensive geared engines. The Helio Courier is a light C/ STOL utility aircraft designed in 1949.Īround 500 of these aircraft were manufactured in Pittsburg, Kansas from 1954 until 1974 by the Helio Aircraft Company. Helio Courier H-295 on floats, Lake Hood Seaplane Base, Anchorage, AK
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