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The successor to the AOP6 was a completely new design. The AOP9 was an
all metal aircraft as opposed to the earlier tube and fabric Austers. It
was capable of fulfilling other tasks apart from air observation, such
as casualty evacuation. Although they suffered from poor performance in
hot and high conditions, they nevertheless provided valuable service in
Aden and Malaya. It was operated by the British Army, the Indian Air
Force and the South African Air Force. One example was converted to take
a 260hp(194kW0 Lycoming. It first flew in 1961 as the AOP11 and is still
active. Around 15 examples of the AOP9 are still active in civil
markings.
G-BKVK c/n AUS/10/2 United Kingdom
3 seat observation aircraft first flown in 1954
Engine: 180hp(134kW) Blackburn Bombardier 203
Length: 23’8.5”(7.23m)
Height: 8’11”(2.72m)
Wingspan: 36’5”(11.1m)
No.built: 182
Range: 242miles(389km)
Cruising speed: 110mph(177kmh) Empty weight: 1590lb(721kg)
Maximum take-off weight: 2330lb(1057kg)
Auster AOP9 Side view
1/144 scale
Side view 1/108 scale
Side view 1/72 scale
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