View source for Helio Courier

{{Short description|1949 touring aircraft family by Helio}}
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name = Courier
 |image = File:Helio H-295 Courier ’66-374 - EO’ (G-BAGT) (34081142555).jpg
 |caption =A restored Helio Courier in flight
 |type = STOL utility aircraft
 |manufacturer = [[Helio Aircraft Company]]
 |designer = 
 |first_flight = 8 April 1949<br />(Helioplane #1)
 |introduction = 1954
 |retired = 
 |status = In use as of 2024
 |primary_user = 
 |more_users = 
 |produced = 
 |number_built = 500 (approximate total)
 |developed_from = 
 |variants = [[Helio AU-24 Stallion]]
}}
[[File:Helio H-295 N68858 Lake Hood AK.jpg|thumb|Helio Courier H-295 on floats, Lake Hood Seaplane Base, Anchorage, AK]]

The '''Helio Courier''' is a cantilever high-wing light [[Short Take-Off and Landing|STOL]] [[cargo aircraft|utility aircraft]] designed in 1949.

Around 500 of these aircraft were manufactured in [[Pittsburg, Kansas]], from 1954 until 1974 by the [[Helio Aircraft Company]]. The design featured four [[leading-edge slat]]s that deployed automatically, and large trailing-edge [[flap (aeronautics)|flap]]s. The engine was the 295&nbsp;hp [[Lycoming O-480|Lycoming GO-480]], which had a gearbox that lowered the output RPM and allowed for the use of a large three-bladed propeller to further improve takeoff performance. Couriers were famous for their takeoffs, which often took only a few plane lengths and then climbed at very high angles. During airshow demonstrations, it was common for the aircraft to actually take off across a {{convert|100|to|200|ft|m|adj=mid|-wide}} runway.

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. In a further effort to reduce weight, a new composite landing gear was featured. The new models also featured modest winglets. Two models were produced, the H-800 and H-700. A total of 18 aircraft were built, before production ceased in 1985. The rights to the Helio Stallion and Helio Courier were acquired by Helio Aircraft of Prescott, Arizona.<ref>[http://www.helioaircraft.com/ourplanes_courier.htm "Helio Courier."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120140507/http://www.helioaircraft.com/ourplanes_courier.htm |date=2011-11-20 }} ''Helio Aircraft.'' Retrieved: October 3, 2011.</ref>

In 2019, Helio Alaska was formed and based in Chugiak, Alaska. The company acquired the intellectual property and the FAA certificate 1A8 for the Courier, as well as access to surviving jigs and tooling. Advancements in manufacturing from handmade to numerically controlled machining identified a range of variability within the model's construction. New tooling was created, and the State of Alaska has supported the endeavor.<ref>accessed April 27, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20241109203254/https://www.helioak.com/history</ref><ref>not yet archived April 27, 2025, https://spacegrant.alaska.edu/funding-opportunities/students/undergraduate/alaska-industry-internship/helio-alaska</ref>

==Design and development==
Professor [[Otto C. Koppen]] designed aircraft for the [[Stout Metal Airplane|Stout Metal Airplane Division of the Ford Motor Company]], including the [[Ford Flivver]], an aircraft that was supposed to be mass-produced by Ford. Koppen went on to design the Helio Courier.<ref>Peterson, Norm. "There's a Ford in your Future." ''Sport Aviation, ''August 1991.</ref>

The demonstrator for the Courier's concept, "Helioplane #1", was converted by the then-local [[Wiggins Airways]] firm from a [[Piper PA-15 Vagabond#Variants|Piper PA-17 Vagabond Trainer]], one of the so-named "short-wing Pipers" in production following World War II. Only the cabin area of the PA-17's original airframe remained unmodified, with the fuselage lengthened by four feet (1.2 meters), given a taller fin-rudder unit, clipped the Vagabond's stock 29&nbsp;ft-3 inch (8.92 meter) wingspan down to only some 28.5 feet (8.7 meters), fitted the shortened wings with full-span [[leading-edge slats]], long-span [[Flap (aeronautics)|wing flaps]] that forced the [[aileron]]s to be much diminished in their span – only occupying the two outermost [[Rib (aeronautics)|rib bays]] inboard of the [[wingtip]]; and a longer-travel [[Conventional landing gear|main landing gear]] of a taller design, not unlike that of the 1930s-origin [[Fieseler Fi 156|Fieseler Fi 156 Storch]] German military short take-off and landing ([[STOL]]) pioneer aircraft.  The powerplant for the demonstrator was switched to the [[Continental O-190|Continental C85]] [[Flat engine#Boxer engine|boxer-four]] cylinder air-cooled engine, upgraded with fuel-injection, and uniquely equipped with a multi-belt speed reduction unit to drive its Aeroproducts nine-foot (2.75 meter) diameter, variable-pitch two-blade propeller, which contributed greatly to the amazing STOL flight characteristics of the demonstrator aircraft.<ref name=Elyu-1>{{cite web |url=https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/helioplane |title=Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum - Collections - Helioplane - Long Description |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=airandspace.si.edu |publisher=National Air & Space Museum |access-date=December 27, 2016 |quote=Professor Koppen was not a newcomer to the so-called affordable safe light plane design field as he was the designer of Ford's 1925 Flivver Plane and designed the pre-World War II two-control, spin proof General Skyfarer airplane. The professors tried several sources for financial support in government, academia, and industry for the experimental project but eventually they put up their own money. They arranged for Greater Boston Metropolitan Airport fixed base operator, E.W. Wiggins Airways and volunteers to convert a Piper PA-17 Vagabond to the two-place Helio No.1, and, in the end, the investment of the professors was about $6,000. The only unmodified part of the Vagabond was the fuselage cabin area. The original 65 hp Continental engine was replaced with a fuel-injected 85 hp Continental fitted with a multi-belt reduction unit that drove a specially designed nine-foot Koppers Aeromatic propeller. This extra large diameter propeller with its large thrust component was a major contributor to the success of the Helio-1. The propeller's wide slipstream coverage of the wing slats and slotted flaps provided a substantial added lift component during the take-off, landing and the slow/near hover flight regimes. The large propeller size dictated a higher-than-normal main landing gear with long throw shock struts to achieve sufficient propeller ground clearance...The fuselage was lengthened by nearly four feet and the Vagabond's already short 29-foot 3-inch wing was shortened by another nine inches. The wing had a complete array of the high lift devices available at that time, including leading edges with retractable full span Handley Page automatic slats and trailing edges with the equivalent of full-span slotted flaps. The ailerons could be drooped in the slow speed configuration to act as flaps and still perform for banking purposes. In addition to these devices, a later development called a lateral roll control augmenter was installed at the wing leading slat gaps. This device was aerodynamically positioned at the slat gap so that it provided excellent slow speed roll stabilization. |archive-date=December 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228033641/https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/helioplane |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Simplicity and Safety, Features of the Helioplane, a Promising American Light Aircraft Prototype |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1949/1949%20-%201771.html |magazine=[[Flight International]] |location=United Kingdom |publisher=[[Flightglobal]] |date=October 20, 1949 |access-date=September 3, 2017 }}</ref>  The demonstrator's first flight took place on April 8, 1949, flying from what was then called the [[Boston Metropolitan Airport]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airfieldsfreeman.com/MA/Airfields_MA_Boston_SW.htm#bostonmetro |title=Abandoned and Little-Known Airfields - Massachusetts, Southwest Boston Area - Massachusetts Air Terminal & Arena / Canton Airport / Massachusetts Air Terminal / Boston Metropolitan Airport, Canton, MA |last=Freeman |first=Paul |date=July 3, 2015 |website=[[Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields]] |publisher=Paul Freeman |access-date=December 27, 2016 |quote=The last aircraft-related company at Canton Airport was Helio Aircraft Corporation. In the late 1940s, Otto Koppen of MIT & Dr. Lynn Bollinger of Harvard developed the first Helioplane experimental prototype, a short take off & landing light aircraft...The professors arranged for Greater Boston Metropolitan Airport fixed base operator, E.W. Wiggins Airways & volunteers to convert a Piper PA-17 Vagabond to the 2-place Helio No.1. The successful first flight was in 1949.}}</ref>

For the construction of the production Courier aircraft, its all aluminum-clad airframe features a welded 15G steel-tube center section fuselage, with shoulder harnesses that protect the occupants in an emergency.  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&nbsp;— 55 to 60 miles per hour (89 to 97&nbsp;km/h).  The slats contribute to the Helio's outstanding short takeoff and landing 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 [[Flap (aeronautics)|flaps]], which together with interrupter blades atop each wing when roll control is lost at very low airspeed, allows for a tight turning radius. The Helio Courier could maintain control at speeds as low as {{convert|27|mph}}.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=OSQDAAAAMBAJ&dq=popular+science+August+1949&pg=RA1-PA135 "Small Plane Copies Copter."] ''Popular Science'', August 1949, p. 135.</ref>

The design of the Helio features a large vertical tail surface and rudder for control at very low flight speeds.  However, on [[Conventional landing gear|conventional geared aircraft]] (taildraggers), the airplane tends to be sensitive to crosswinds, thus a crosswind gear option is available, allowing the main tires to caster left or right 20 degrees, increasing the crosswind component to {{convert|25|mph}}. The Helio has its main gear placement far forward of the cabin, enabling hard braking on unprepared landing areas.  A [[Tricycle landing gear|tricycle-gear]] model was produced, but is unsuitable for unprepared rough terrain.

Helios are also capable of being equipped with floats; both straight and amphibious floats being offered.

==Operational history==
[[File:HelioCourierNo1.jpg|thumb|Helio Courier slow flight]]
[[File:JAARS Helio Courier in Hangar.jpg|thumb|Helio Courier in hangar at [[JAARS]]]]
[[File:U-10B 5th SOS over Vietnam 1969.jpg|thumb|A USAF U-10B from the [[5th Special Operations Squadron]] in [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]], 1969.]]
[[File:Helio U-10D Courier.jpg|thumb|A U-10D with a C-119]]
[[File:Von Richthofen LYNN GARRISON - DICK BACH.jpg|thumb|[[Richard Bach]], author of ''[[Jonathan Livingston Seagull]]'', and [[Lynn Garrison]] with Helio Courier G-ARMU used for ''[[Von Richthofen and Brown]]'', 1970]]

With a minimum-control speed of around 28&nbsp;mph, the Courier is perfectly suited for confined off-airport operations. The first one was certified in July 1954 and powered by the 260&nbsp;hp [[Lycoming O-435|Lycoming GO-435-C2B2]]. The first production Courier (Serial Number 001, dubbed "Ol' Number 1")''C-G001'' was previously owned and operated by [[JAARS]] as ''N242B'' until 2010.<ref>[http://www.eaa.org/news/2012/2012-02-09_helio.asp "Very First Helio Courier Alive and Well in Canada."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213031745/http://www.eaa.org/news/2012/2012-02-09_helio.asp |date=2012-02-13 }} ''EEA,'' February 13, 2012.</ref> Jaars Helio Courier has been a frequent airshow performer at [[EAA AirVenture Oshkosh]] for decades, displaying its slow flight capability in front of thousands and serving as a drop plane for the Liberty Parachute Team.<ref>Koepenick, Jim. "Antiques and Classics at Oshkosh '91." ''Sport Aviation,'' November 1991.</ref>

In 1957, a "Strato Courier" set an altitude record over Mexico City, Mexico at 31,200&nbsp;ft powered by a geared Lycoming GSO-480-A1A5 (340&nbsp;hp), only one was built. The '''Super Courier''', a more powerful derivative, was used by the [[U.S. Air Force]] from 1958 onward, by the [[U.S. Army Special Forces]] in the 1960s and 1970s and by [[Air America (airline)|Air America]] during the [[Vietnam War]] as the '''U-10'''. In U.S. Army and Air Force service, the '''U-10 Super Courier''' was used for liaison work, light cargo and [[airdrop|supply drops]], [[psychological warfare]], [[forward air control]] (Air Force), insertion and extraction by land and sea (Army), and [[reconnaissance]]. Various versions were produced up through the 1980s, including [[turboprop|turbine]]-powered variants.

The Super Courier saw military service in the United States as the U-10 (ex L-28). Over 120 were built: The '''L-28A''' (2, later redesignated U-10A), '''U-10A''' (26), '''U-10B''' extended range and paratrooper doors (57), and the '''U-10D''' with a higher gross weight(36). There was no '''U-10C'''.

Helios remain very popular among [[Bush flying|bush pilots]] in Canada (32 current) and Alaska and missionaries who fly into rough, relatively unprepared jungle airstrips because of its superior [[STOL]] abilities. Some operators use the Helio Couriers for aerial observation. Both Winged Vision Inc. of [[Gaithersburg, Maryland]] and the [[Pima County, Arizona]], Sheriff's Department each operate two of the rare tri-gear model and mount gyro-stabilized cameras under the wing for aerial observation.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=AOPA Pilot|date=June 2014|page=64|title=Eye on Sport|author=Thomas Horne}}</ref> Pima County mounts a [[Forward looking infrared|FLIR]] camera for law enforcement, and Winged Vision mounts a high definition television camera for coverage of major sports events.<ref>[http://www.helioaircraft.com/aboutus_newspress.htm "News & Press Coverage."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929110049/http://www.helioaircraft.com/aboutus_newspress.htm |date=2011-09-29 }} ''Helio Aircraft.'' Retrieved: October 3, 2011.</ref>

==Variants==
;Koppen-Bollinger Helioplane<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=giQDAAAAMBAJ&dq=popular+science+1949++%22Aeronca%22&pg=RA0-PA109 "Leaps Off Lawn."] ''Popular Science'', October 1949,  pp. 109, 110.</ref>
:Original prototype soon re-named Helio Courier.
;Helioplane Four
:unknown possible variant.
;Helioplane Two
:unknown possible variant.
;Hi-Vision Courier
:unknown possible variant.
;H-291
:Prototype, one built.
;{{visible anchor|H-295 Super Courier}}
:Variant with a Lycoming GO-480-G1D6, purchased by USAF as '''U-10D''', 173 built.
;HT-295 Super Courier or Trigear Courier
:H-295 with tricycle undercarriage, 19 built.
;H-250 Courier
:H-295 with lengthened fuselage and [[Lycoming O-540|Lycoming O-540-A1A5]] engine, 41 built.
;H-391 Courier
:Prototype with [[Lycoming O-435|Lycoming GO-435]]-C2 engine, one built.
;H-391B Courier
:Production version of H-391, 102 built.
;H-392 Strato Courier
:High-altitude version of H-391 with [[Lycoming O-480|Lycoming GSO-480-A1A5]] engine (340 hp).
;H-395 Super Courier
:H-391B with Lycoming GO-480-G1D6, purchased by USAF as '''U-10A''' and '''U-10B''', 138 built.
;H-395A Courier
:Variant of the H-395 with a Lycoming GO-435-C2B6 engine, seven built.
;[[Helio Twin Courier|H-500 Twin Courier]]
:Twin-engined H-395 for the CIA. Very little information available except seven delivered to the CIA under front designation U-5.
;[[Helio AU-24 Stallion|H-550 Stallion]]
:Turboprop powered development
;H-580 Twin Courier
:A longer nosed H-500 with twin wing mounted piston engines, five built.<ref name="Flying">''Flying,'' March 1984, p. 54.</ref>
;[[H-634 Twin Stallion]]
:Planned twin Allison C250 powered Stallion.
;H-700 Courier
:H-295 with redesigned wing and undercarriage and [[Lycoming O-540|Lycoming TIO-540-J2B]] engine.
;H-800 Courier
:H-700 with [[Lycoming O-720|Lycoming IO-720-A1B]] engine, 18 built (H-700 and H-800 together).
;L-24 Courier
:Military version of the H-391 Courier.
;L-28 Courier
:Military version of the H-395 Courier.
;U-5 Twin Courier
:Probable front designation for CIA Twin Couriers.
;U-10 Courier
:Re-designation of L-28 Courier
;[[Helio AU-24 Stallion]]
:Military designation for H-550 Stallion
;B.T.1
:({{langx|th|บ.ธ.๑}}) Thai designation for the U-10B.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thai Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/thailand.html |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:Helio U-10B RTAF.jpg|thumb|Helio U-10B of The Royal Thai Air Force]]

===Military operators===
;{{flag|Bophuthatswana}}
*[[Bophuthatswana Air Force]] – 2 operated from 1982.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Hatch|first1=Paul F.|title=Air Forces of the World: Bophuthatswana Defence Force Air Wing|magazine=[[Air Pictorial]]|date=July 1985|volume= 47|issue= 7|page=249}}</ref>
;{{GUY}}
*[[Guyana Defence Force]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/user/fleet/guyana-df-helio-h-295-super-courier.htm|title=Helio H-295 Super Courier &#124; Guyana Defence Force|date=20 April 2016 }}</ref>
;{{ITA}}
*[[Italian Air Force]] operated 1 Helio Courier aircraft from 1961 to 1982<ref>[http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/italy/af/ital-af2-all-time.htm aeroflight]</ref>
;{{PER}}
;{{THA}}
* [[Royal Thai Air Force]]
;{{TUR}}
* [[Gendarmerie General Command]]
;{{USA}}
* [[Civil Air Patrol]]
* [[United States Air Force]]
**4410th Combat Crew Training Squadron
* [[United States Army]]

===Civil operators===
* [[Air America (airline)|Air America]]
* [[JAARS]]
* [[North-Wright Airways]]
* [[Wright Air Service]]

==Aircraft on display==
[[File:Helio H-295 Courier ’66-374 - EO’ (G-BAGT) (27410426832).jpg|thumb|Helio Courier flying in the United Kingdom in 2016.]]

;Thailand
* 7135 – Type 1 on display at the [[Royal Thai Air Force Museum]] in [[Bangkok]]. It has the USAF serial number 66-14332.<ref>{{cite web|title=Building 1 |url=http://www.rtaf.mi.th/MUSEUM/BLDG1-2.HTM |website=Royal Thai Air Force Museum |access-date=16 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026164810/http://www.rtaf.mi.th/MUSEUM/BLDG1-2.HTM |archive-date=26 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Airframe Dossier - Helio U-10B, s/n 66-14332 USAF, c/n 576|url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=8109|website=Aerial Visuals|publisher=AerialVisuals.ca|access-date=17 January 2017}}</ref>

;Turkey
* J-1416 at Gendarmerie Museum in [[Ankara]].<ref>https://www.aviationmuseum.eu/Blogvorm/jandarma-museum/ {{Bare URL inline|date=July 2025}}</ref>

;United States
* Original "Helioplane No.1" demonstrator aircraft is in storage at the [[Paul E. Garber Preservation, Restoration, and Storage Facility|Paul Garber Facility]] of the [[National Air and Space Museum]] in [[Suitland, Maryland]].<ref name=Elyu-1 />
* 62-3606 – U-10A on static display at the Memorial Air Park at [[Hurlburt Field]] in [[Mary Esther, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park Guide|url=http://www.hurlburt.af.mil/Portals/84/documents/Hurlburt%20Field%20Air%20Park/Airpark_Guide_2015.pdf|website=Hurlburt Field|access-date=16 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227074833/http://www.hurlburt.af.mil/Portals/84/documents/Hurlburt%20Field%20Air%20Park/Airpark_Guide_2015.pdf|archive-date=27 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Airframe Dossier - Helio U-10A Super Courier, s/n 62-3606 USAF, c/n 540, c/r N11619|url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=33446|website=Aerial Visuals|publisher=AerialVisuals.ca|access-date=16 January 2017}}</ref>
* 63-13096 – U-10B on static display at the [[Museum of Aviation (Warner Robins)|Museum of Aviation]] at [[Robins Air Force Base]] in [[Warner Robins, Georgia]].<ref>{{cite web|title=U-10B "SUPER COURIER"|url=http://www.museumofaviation.org/portfolio/u-10b-super-courier|website=Museum of Aviation|access-date=16 January 2017}}</ref>
* 66-14360 – U-10D on static display at the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]] at [[Wright-Patterson Air Force Base]] in [[Dayton, Ohio]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Helio U-10D Super Courier|url=https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196050/helio-u-10d-super-courier/|website=National Museum of the US Air Force|access-date=16 January 2017|date=18 May 2015}}</ref>
* 1216 – H-295 on static display at the [[Alaska Aviation Museum]] in [[Anchorage, Alaska]]. It was formerly owned by [[Lowell Thomas Jr.]]<ref>{{cite web |title=1966 H-295 HELIO COURIER |url=http://www.alaskaairmuseum.org/explore/exhibits/1966-h-295-helio-courier |website=Alaska Aviation Museum |access-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913185024/http://www.alaskaairmuseum.org/explore/exhibits/1966-h-295-helio-courier |archive-date=13 September 2016}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=November 2020}}

==Specifications (U-10D Super Courier)==
[[File:Helio U-10A 3-view line drawing.png|frameless|right|3-view drawing of the Helio U-10A]]

{{Aircraft specs

|prime units?=kts<!-- "imp", "kts" or "met" to display the units in a given order. Without an entry here, no specifications will show -->
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|genhide=

|crew=1
|capacity=5 pax / {{cvt|1320|lb|0}} payload
|length ft=30
|length in=8
|length note=
|span ft=39
|span in=0
|span note=
|height ft=8
|height in=10
|height note=
|wing area sqft=
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=[[NACA airfoil|NACA 23012]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
|empty weight lb=2080
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=3400
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=3400
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=120 gal
|lift lb=<!-- lighter-than-air -->
|lift note=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Lycoming GO-480-G1D6]]
|eng1 type=6-cylinder air-cooled horizontally-opposed piston engine
|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 hp=295
|eng1 note=at 3400 rpm for take-off
::::{{cvt|285|hp|0}} at 3000 rpm, maximum continuous power

|prop blade number=3
|prop name=[[Hartzell Propeller|Hartzell]] HC93Z20-1B/10151-C (or HC-B3Z20-1/10151-C)
|prop dia ft=8
|prop dia in=0
|prop dia note=constant-speed propeller
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kts=148
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kts=140
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kts=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kts=164
|never exceed speed note=<br />
*'''Maximum structural cruising speed:''' {{cvt|140|kn|mph km/h|0}}
*'''Maximum manoeuvring speed:''' {{cvt|85|kn|mph km/h|0}}
*'''Maximum flaps extended speed:''' {{cvt|65|kn|mph km/h|0}}
*'''Maximum rough air speed:''' {{cvt|130|kn|mph km/h|0}} flaps up
*'''Maximum rough air speed:''' {{cvt|80|kn|mph km/h|0}} flaps down
|range nmi=950
|range note=with {{cvt|120|USgal|impgal l}} fuel
|combat range nmi=
|combat range note=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=20500
|ceiling note=
|glide ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|climb rate ftmin=1200
|climb rate note=
|g limits=<big>+</big>3.8 flaps up, <big>+</big>2 flaps extended
|time to altitude=
|lift to drag=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=

|more performance=<!--<br />
*'''Take-off run:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Take-off distance to {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Landing run:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Landing distance from {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}-->
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent|
|related=
* [[Helio AU-24 Stallion]]
* [[Helio Rat'ler]]
* [[Helio Twin Courier]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver]]
* [[Cessna 180]]
* [[Cessna 185]]
* [[Dornier Do 27]]
* [[Maule Air|Maule M-5]]
* [[Max Holste Broussard]]
* [[Murphy Moose]]
* [[Scottish Aviation Pioneer]]
* [[Pilatus Porter]]
|lists=
|see also=
}}

==References==
===Notes===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
*{{cite magazine|last=Elliot|first=Bryn|title=Bears in the Air: The US Air Police Perspective |magazine=[[Air Enthusiast]]|date=March–April 1997|issue=68|pages=46–51 |issn=0143-5450}} 
* Ogden, Bob. ''Aviation Museums and Collections of North America''. Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd, 2007. {{ISBN|0-85130-385-4}}.
* Simpson, R. W. ''Airlife's General Aviation.'' Shrewsbury, UK:  Airlife Publishing, 1995, pp.&nbsp;208–210. {{ISBN|1-85310-577-5}}.
* Taylor, Michael J. H. ''Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation.'' London: Studio Editions, 1989. {{ISBN|0-517-69186-8}}.
* ''World Aircraft Information Files.'' London: Bright Star Publishing, File 896, sheet 18.

==External links==
{{commons category|Helio Courier}}
*[http://www.helioaircraft.com Helio Aircraft homepage - deadlink April 28, 2025]
*[https://www.helioak.com Helio Alaska homepage]
*Helio Alaska Youtube shop visit and interview (accessed April 28, 2025) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVIZsmdudZM]
*[https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/helioplane Smithsonian NASM page on Helioplane #1, awaiting restoration] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228033641/https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/helioplane |date=2016-12-28 }}
*[https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196050/helio-u-10d-super-courier/ NMUSAF Page on Helio Super Courier]
*[https://books.google.com/books?id=sdwDAAAAMBAJ&dq=1954+Popular+Mechanics+January&pg=PA144 "Rugged Light Plane Takes to the Air After 30-yard Run."] ''Popular Mechanics'', November 1954, p.&nbsp;144.
* [https://archive.org/details/phaaa383/page/11 A Low-Cost Air Transportation and Communication System for Remote Areas of the Philippines – Internet Archive]

{{Helio aircraft}}
{{USAF liaison aircraft}}
{{US utility aircraft}}
{{Thai utility aircraft designations}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Helio Courier}}
[[Category:1940s United States civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:Helio aircraft|Courier]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1949]]
[[Category:STOL aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft with fixed conventional landing gear]]
[[Category:Single-engined piston aircraft]]