UH-12A New England Wing

The Hiller UH-12A is a lightweight, two-seat helicopter created by the Hiller Aircraft Company in the late 1940s, descending from Stanley Hiller’s earlier UH-12 model. Driven by a Franklin piston engine and featuring Hiller’s unique “Rotor-Matic” control system, it utilized small servo paddles attached to the main rotor for stability and control—an innovative feature that made the helicopter highly responsive and easier to handle. Its small size, straightforward design, and bubble canopy offered excellent visibility, making it ideal for various light-duty tasks.

Used by the U.S. military as the H-23 Raven, the UH-12A and its variants were extensively employed for training, observation, and utility roles. Both in military and civilian contexts, the aircraft demonstrated versatility and dependability, fulfilling roles from pilot training and liaison to medical evacuation and aerial observation. Its forgiving flight qualities and simple systems made it a key training helicopter for early helicopter pilots in the postwar period.