Auster Autocrat

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J-1 Autocrat
Type Touring aircraft
Manufacturer Auster Aircraft Limited
Maiden flight 1945
Introduced 1945
Produced 1945-1952
Number built 420
Developed from Taylorcraft Auster 5
Variants Auster Workmaster
Auster Avis

The Auster J-1 Autocrat was a 1940s British single-engined three-seat high-wing touring monoplane built by Auster Aircraft Limited at Rearsby, Leicestershire.

Contents

[edit] History

As the end of the Second World War approached the designers at Taylorcraft decided to develop a tourer version of the robust and reliable Taylorcraft Auster observation aircraft series. An Auster 5, registered G-AGOH, was modified to take a 100 hp (75 kW) Blackburn Cirrus II engine for trials. At the same time a prototype aircraft was built designated the Taylorcraft Auster V Series J-1 Autocrat. The long name was not used as the company changed name to Auster Aircraft Limited and the aircraft became known as the Auster J-1 Autocrat.

The first production aircraft, registered G-AGTO, was delivered in December 1945. One of the more spectacular feats of the aircraft was the first visit of a civilian aircraft to an aircraft carrier, HMS Illustrious in the English Channel in October 1946. The last Rearsby built J-1s were delivered in 1952.

The Autocraft became one of the most successful post-war British light aircraft with more than 400 built. A small number of variants were built and the aircraft became the basis for a family of light aircraft.

[edit] Variants

[edit] Specifications (J-1)

General characteristics

  • Crew: 3
  • Length: 25 ft 3 in (7.7 m)
  • Wingspan: 36 ft 0 in (10.97 m)
  • Height: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
  • Wing area: 185 ft² (17.19 m²)
  • Empty weight: 1,052 lb (478 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 1,850 lb (841 kg)
  • Powerplant:Blackburn Cirrus Minor 2 piston engine, 100 hp (76 kw)

Performance

[edit] See also

Related development

[edit] References

  • The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing. 
  • Jackson, A.J. (1974). British Civil Aircraft since 1919 Volume 1. London: Putnam. ISBN 0 370 10006 9. 

[edit] External links

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