TAYLORCRAFT AUSTER
- Two-seat (side-by-side)
lightplane, developed from Plus C and Plus D to meet Army requirements
for an Air Observation Post. Initial contracts placed 1941 for 101 Taylorcraft Auster
Mk Is and subsequent contracts for later marks kept the type in production
throughout the war, as below; Mks 7 to 9 appeared post-war. Used by at
least 19 AOP squadrons, and other Army formations.
Taylorcraft Auster AOP Mk I: Similar to Taylorcraft Plus D, with 90 hp Blackburn Cirrus
Minor I. First flown early 1942 and entered service with No 651 Sqn, August
1952. Normally flown solo in service; 101 built.
Taylorcraft Auster AOP Mk II: Two prototypes with 130 hp Lycoming O-290-3 engines;
otherwise as Mk I.
Taylorcraft Auster AOP Mk III: Improved AOP with 130 hp DH Gipsy Major I engine. Fitted
with wing flaps. Deliveries began early 1943 and total of 470 built. Used
initially by Nos 655, 656 and 657 AOP Squadrons.
Taylorcraft Auster AOP Mk IV: Similar to Mk III but with 130 hp Lycoming O-290-3 engine,
third seat in rear of cabin and enlarged window area. Entered service
in 1944 and 254 built.
Taylorcraft Auster AOP Mk V: Similar to Mk IV but fitted with blind-flying panel.
Total of 788 built, of which two fitted with floats for evaluation at
the MAEE. Production ended January 1946.
Max speed, 130 mph (209 km/h) at sea level. Cruising speed, 110 mph (177
km/h). Range, about 300 mis (483 km). Gross weight, 1,700 Ib (772 kg).
Span, 36 ft 0 in (10.98 m). Length, 22 ft 5 in (6.84 m). Wing area, 167sqft
(15.5m).
Taylorcraft Auster AOP Mk VI: Based on Mk V, but with 145 hp DH Gipsy Major VII, new
undercarriage and auxiliary aerofoil flaps. Prototype flown on May 1,
1945; production and service use post-war.
