The Airspeed AS.5 Courier was a significant aircraft in the history of Airspeed Limited. It was a British four-seat, single-engine, high-wing monoplane designed by Sir A.H. (Alec) Hesseltine and A.E. Hewitt. The Courier was Airspeed’s first commercially successful aircraft, and it played a vital role in establishing the company as a reputable aircraft manufacturer.

The AS.5 Courier was designed to be a comfortable and versatile passenger transport aircraft. It made its first flight on July 10, 1933. The aircraft had a fabric-covered wooden structure, which was a common design approach during that era. Its high-wing configuration provided excellent visibility for both passengers and the pilot.

The Courier was known for its reliable and straightforward design, making it popular among smaller airlines, private owners, and military operators. It was powered by a single de Havilland Gipsy Major inline engine, which gave it a cruising speed of around 120 mph (193 km/h) and a range of approximately 500 miles (805 km).

One of the notable features of the AS.5 Courier was its ability to operate from short and unprepared airstrips, making it well-suited for transportation to remote and less-developed areas. The aircraft’s versatility and reliability earned it a good reputation within the aviation community.

During its production run from the mid-1930s to the early 1940s, various versions of the AS.5 Courier were produced, including models with different engines and slight modifications to meet specific customer requirements. Additionally, some military variants of the Courier were developed for roles such as communications, aerial survey, and liaison duties.

Overall, the Airspeed AS.5 Courier was a successful and widely appreciated aircraft that contributed significantly to the growth of Airspeed Limited as an aircraft manufacturer. Its impact and legacy continue to be remembered by aviation enthusiasts and historians alike.