Auster A.2/45

A.2/45
VL523 the second prototype
Role Air Observation aircraft
National origin United Kingdom
Manufacturer Auster Aircraft Limited
First flight 27 Apr 1948
Number built 2

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to meet Air Ministry Specification A.2/45 for an "Air Observation Post" (AOP) for the British Army, the requirement was withdrawn and only two prototypes were built.[1]

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 1845, 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 the 20 March 1950 and only the two prototypes were built.[1]

Specifications

Data from [2]Flight 8 September 1949

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2 (pilot, observer)
  • Length: 29 ft 10 in (9.09 m)
  • Wingspan: 43 ft 6 in (13.26 m)
  • Height: 8 ft 4 in (2.54 m)
  • Powerplant: 1 × De Havilland Gipsy Queen 34 Six-cylinder inline piston, 250 hp (190 kW)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed

See also

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 - Military Types". Flight. 8 September 1949.
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