Helio Twin Courier

The Helio Twin Courier is a twin-engined version of the Helio Courier, with very few examples being produced.

Known by Helio as the model H-500 this STOL aircraft mounted twin Lycoming engines on top of the high-set wing, close to the fuselage. With the engines mounted in this manner, lateral and over-the-nose visibility were much improved while the propellers were kept clear of cabin doors and away from possible debris damage during rough field operations.

Much of the aircraft structure was based on the Helio Stallion, a single-engine turboprop version of the more successful Helio Courier.

The Twin Courier could seat six and first flew in 1960, being awarded FAA certification in late 1963. Only seven examples were built, these receiving the United States Armed Forces designation U-5A. One was reported to have been evaluated by US Army Special Forces.

Fully automatic full-span leading edge slats were fitted along with high-lift flaps.

pecifications (U-5A Twin Courier)

General characteristics

* Crew: 1 pilot
* Capacity: 5 passengers
* Length: 30 ft 3 in (9.22 m)
* Wingspan: 41 ft 0 in (12.49 m)
* Height: 8 ft 8 in (2.64 m)
* Wing area: 242 ft² (22.48 m²)
* Empty: 3,190 lb (1447 kg)
* Loaded: 4,500 lb normal (2041.2 kg), 5,725 lb. maximum (2597 kg)
* Powerplant: 2 Lycoming O-540-A2B 250 hp (186.4 kW)

Performance

* Maximum speed: 187 mph (301 km/h), Cruise (60% power) 170 mph (273.5 km/h)
* Range: 835 miles (1344 km)
* Service ceiling: 22,000 ft (6706 m)