Luton Buzzard

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Buzzard
Buzzard2237.jpg
Luton Buzzard (G-ADYX), Barton-in-the-Clay, August 1936
General information
TypeUltralight
Manufacturer Luton Aircraft Limited
Designer
Number built1
History
First flight 1936

The Luton Buzzard was a 1930s British single-seat, open cockpit ultralight aircraft built by Luton Aircraft Limited.

Contents

History

The Buzzard was a single-seat ultralight of wooden construction, fitted with split flaps and an all-flying tailplane, and powered by a 35 hp Anzani inverted Vee air-cooled engine. The Buzzard was designed by C.H. Latimer-Needham, and built by Luton Aircraft at Barton-in-the-Clay, Bedfordshire in 1936. The only Buzzard, registered G-ADYX and designated the Buzzard I first flew in 1936. On 16 November 1936, it was damaged during landing at Christchurch, Hampshire. [1]

In 1937, it was rebuilt as the Buzzard II with short-span wings, enclosed cockpit and an orthodox tailplane. On 8 May 1938, it was damaged beyond repair while being demonstrated at a Royal Aeronautical Society 'garden party' at Great West Aerodrome. In 1943, the aircraft remains were destroyed when the company's Phoenix Works at Gerrards Cross burnt down. [1]

Variants

Buzzard I
Prototype open cockpit ultralight, one built.
Buzzard II
Buzzard I rebuilt with enclosed cockpit and other modifications.

Specifications (Buzzard II)

Data from British Civil Aircraft since 1919 Volume 3, [1] Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938 [2]

General characteristics

Performance

References

  1. 1 2 3 Jackson, A.J. (1974). British Civil Aircraft since 1919 Volume 3. London: Putnam. p. 261. ISBN   0-370-10014-X.
  2. Grey, C.G.; Bridgman, Leonard, eds. (1938). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938. London: Sampson Low, Marston & company, ltd. p. 53c.