HTE-1

The HTE‑1 was the first fixed‑wing aircraft produced by the Hiller Aircraft Company after it shifted from exclusive helicopter construction to a broader aeronautical portfolio in the early 1950s. Designed in 1952 and rolled out in 1954, the HTE‑1 was intended to fill the emerging market for short‑haul, high‑mountain transport that could operate from austere airstrips. Its all‑metal semi‑monocoque fuselage incorporated the company’s pioneering “Hiller‑Composite” honey‑cell skin, a lightweight sandwich material that reduced empty weight by 12 percent while maintaining structural rigidity.

Key features included a high‑wing configuration with stubby, constant‑chord wings equipped with leading‑edge slats and Fowler flaps, giving the plane a remarkable 2,200‑foot take‑off run at sea level. Powered by twin Lycoming GSO‑480‑A1A engines, the HTE‑1 delivered 480 hp each and a cruise speed of 210 kt, while its 18‑passenger cabin could be reconfigured for cargo or medevac missions. The aircraft’s fuel‑efficient turboprop variant, introduced in 1959, extended range to 1,200 nm.

The HTE‑1’s blend of innovative materials, short‑field performance, and versatile interior made it a workhorse for regional airlines and the U.S. Army’s liaison units. Its success proved that Hiller could compete beyond rotorcraft, influencing later light‑transport designs and cementing the company’s reputation as an adaptable aerospace innovator.