Auster Mk.1/3/4/5/5D

The early Austers were built by Taylorcraft Aeroplane (England) Ltd. which had been formed in 1938 to manufacture the Taylorcraft Model A, a successful American light aircraft. These were eventually named Auster Plus C. From this aircraft the Auster line began. The higher powered Taylorcraft Plus D (90hp(67kW) Cirrus Minor 1) evolved into the Auster Mk.1(99 built) which was built for the RAF in 1941 for AOP duties. The Mk.3(483 built) had a 130hp(97kW) de Havilland. The Mk.4(260 built) had 3 seats and the Mk.5 had blind flying equipment. The Auster Mk.5 (860 built) was similar to the Mk.4. The Mk.5C was the post war production version and the Mk.5D was the Mk.5 re-engined with a 130hp Gipsy Major 1. An Auster Mk.1 is illustrated below.

                                 G-AHGW              c/n 222             United Kingdom Photo: John Chalmers

2 seat light aircraft first flown in 1940

 Engine: 130hp(97kW) Lycoming O-290-3
Length: 22’5”(6.83m)                                                                                            Height: 6’8”(2.03m)
Wingspan: 36’0”(10.97m)                                                                                             No.built: 1603
Range: 220miles(354km)                                                                 Cruising speed: 110mph(177kmh) Empty weight: 1050lb(476kg)                                                 Maximum take-off weight: 1920lb(871kg)

An Auster Mk.5C is illustrated below.

  G-AKSZ                 c/n 1503                                  

An Auster Mk.5 is illustrated below.

G-APTU       c/n 3413          Photo: John Chalmers

An Auster Mk.3 is illustrated below.

                                    G-AREI                    c/n 518

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