Stumbled on this by accident, probably because I've got a headcold and just sitting around surfing the inter-webs. But this is fascinating. How S_L_O_W can you fly? The Helios "Courier" can fly at 27 miles per hour. And make very tight turns, and land on rough terrain.
A new company, trying to build an old design, to fit a real need for wilderness aircraft.
Interesting video of their story, buying the old/original FAA certified hand drawn plans, original tooling, and then modernizing it to true "assembly line" methods so they can build them for current needs.
Here is their website, which is less fun than the above video:
www.helioak.com
Here is their instagram feed:
A YouTube video:
And another YouTube video suggesting that the takeoff and landing distances make this suitable for use in your backyard! Well that is a bold claim, but it does seem that the aircraft is pretty amazing.
And yet another . . .
And the first test flight video. . .
And a feature article in AvWeb to prove that I went down a rabbit hole and didn't survive, but contains the video link I provided above.
avweb.com
A new company, trying to build an old design, to fit a real need for wilderness aircraft.
Interesting video of their story, buying the old/original FAA certified hand drawn plans, original tooling, and then modernizing it to true "assembly line" methods so they can build them for current needs.
Here is their website, which is less fun than the above video:
Helio Alaska
www.helioak.com
Here is their instagram feed:
A YouTube video:
And another YouTube video suggesting that the takeoff and landing distances make this suitable for use in your backyard! Well that is a bold claim, but it does seem that the aircraft is pretty amazing.
And yet another . . .
And the first test flight video. . .
And a feature article in AvWeb to prove that I went down a rabbit hole and didn't survive, but contains the video link I provided above.
Two men in Birchwood, Alaska, are hoping to revive production of the Helio Courier, a highly regarded STOL bush plane that was built for about 20 years ending in 1974. The duo, identified only as Abe and Lucas, acquired the type certificate and thousands of hand-drawn plans and are applying modern construction techniques, including 3D manufacturing, to the ambitious goal of displaying a new Helio Courier prototype at the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering later this month. Airplanes in the Wild shot this informative video on the project.
Video Feature: A New Helio Courier
A new Helio Courier, the first in more than 30 years, is the ambitious goal for a couple of Alaska men.
avweb.com