The U-10, developed by Helio Aircraft Corporation as an executive aircraft, was delivered to the U. S. Air Force in 1958 as the L-28. ò It was redesignated as the U-10 in 1962.ò The Super Courier was evaluated for isolated missile site support due to its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability. ò The STOL ability was ably demonstrated when a U-10 landed and took off from the interior courtyard of the Pentagon.ò By 1966, over 100 U-10`s had been purchased for duties in Southeast Asia where they saw extensive service.



The Super Courier performed well on reconnaissance and small supply-drop missions.ò With a stalling speed of 28 miles per hour, it could land and takeoff from football-size clearings in jungles or on mountains. ò Cross-wind landing gear enabled the pilot to align the wheels with a runway heading while keeping the aircraft nose into the wind.ò It was flown by Air Commando, Special Operations and CIA pilots during special forces troop insertion, resupply extraction, aerial observation, and psychological warfare missions.



The Warner Robins Air Logistics Center received logistics management responsibility for the U-10 in 1965 when the Middletown Air Materiel Area at Olmstead AFB, Pennsylvania, was phased out.ò The aircraft on display was obtained in 1987.