Auster A.2/45

Last updated
A.2/45
Auster M ATP 018173 C.jpg
VL523 the second prototype
RoleAir Observation aircraft
National originUnited Kingdom
Manufacturer Auster Aircraft Limited
First flight27 Apr 1948
Number built2

The Auster A.2/45 was a British late 1940s single-engined high-wing air observation monoplane built by Auster Aircraft Limited at Rearsby, Leicestershire. It was designed and built to meet Air Ministry Specification A.2/45 for an "air observation post" (AOP) for the British Army, the requirement was withdrawn and only two prototypes were built. [1]

Contents

Design and development

The Auster Model N normally known by the specification number as the A.2/45 was a strut-braced high-wing monoplane with a single DH Gipsy Queen engine, the enclosed cabin had room for a pilot and observer seated in tandem. It had a conventional landing gear with a tail wheel.

The British Air Ministry Specification A.2/45 was issued on 20 July 1945 for an Air Observation Aircraft to meet Operational Requirement OR.176 in particularly for operation from unprepared landing grounds. [1] Contracts for four prototypes from both Auster and the Heston Aircraft Company were placed on 21 August 1945, this was later reduced to just two aircraft from each company. [1] The Heston competitor for the specification was the Heston JC.6.

The first prototype Auster A.2/45 VL522 flew on 27 April 1948. The Air Ministry requirement was cancelled on 20 March 1950 and only the two prototypes were built. [1]

Specifications

Data from Flight 8 September 1949, [2] Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1949–50 [3]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Meekcoms, K.J.; Morgan, E.B. (1994). The British aircraft specifications file : British military and commercial aircraft specifications 1920–1949. Tonbridge: Air-Britain. p. 334. ISBN   0851302203.
  2. "BRITAIN'S AIRCRAFT:Auster A.2/45" (pdf). Flight: 273. 8 September 1949. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  3. Bridgman, Leonard, ed. (1949). Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1949–50. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Co. pp. 18c–19c.