U-10 Helio Courier: The unsung Hero of the Vietnam War

Amazing aircraft able to land almost anywhere

Professor Otto C. Coppen developed a STOL airplane back in the late 1940s that could land in a parking lot safely. Thanks to Coppen, most of what has been learned about aircraft stability is due to his research at MIT and the Helio Courier airplane he developed became an important use to the US government during the Vietnam conflict. The CIA needed an airplane that could land on a 300 foot runway made with shovels. With nothing except helicopters fitting the bill, the U-10 Helio Courier came into focus. Fantastically, this plane could literally hover in place with a 30 mph wind blowing over it. Perfect for jungle operations, it proved its usefulness in Vietnam and although slow, it was a very forgiving airplane. After Vietnam it was used extensively by mission organizations to reach isolated areas of the world including Papua New Guinea where it was used by JAARS, Inc. JAARS has a working example of this extraordinary aircraft that they bring to airshows around the United States. Otto Coppen became the oldest man at 80 years old to receive his instrument rating.

He often served as a test pilot for his planes and his courage and innovation saved the lives of thousands who used his Helio Courier as a medical ambulance in remote locations around the world. Valor is in you. Set it free.