In the late 1920s, Cloyd Snyder of South Bend, Indiana, developed a series of "Heel Lift" low aspect ratio aircraft inspired by the gliding properties of felt heel inserts.
South Bend native, Milt Hatfield had built a homebuilt aircraft at the same time.
Seeking flying lessons while grounded by his father, he donated parts of his aircraft to the Arup S-2 project in exchange for flying lessons.
After Arup Manufacturing Corporation went out of business, Hatfield promised Snyder he would make one of his own.
[1] All three Little Bird aircraft were bought by one owner and are awaiting restoration.