Its maneuverability impresses pilots and laymen alike. Its design, which makes it capable of extreme controlled/short takeoff and landing (Ultra C/STOL), attracted the almost instant interest of the United States military. Developed through collaboration between Dr. Otto Koppen of MIT and Dr. Lynn Bollinger of Harvard, the Helio Courier was designed to be one of the safest, most versatile aircraft ever produced?and lived up to this claim in ways that even in some cases exceeded the designers? expectations. This book gives the reader a comprehensive developmental history of the Helio Courier. It begins by discussing the progenitors of the Helio Courier and the drive behind its development. Then, starting with the Helio's inception in the late 1940s, it follows the aircraft from drawing board to post-production stages. Also covered are the role the plane has played in military operations in Vietnam and various covert operations since, and the possible future of the aircraft.