Auster Autocrat
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J-1 Autocrat | |
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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.
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[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
- Auster J-1 Autocrat - production version with Blackburn Cirrus II engine.
- Auster J-1A Autocrat - additional (fourth-seat) for joyriding.
- Auster J-1B Aiglet - crop-dusting agricultural aircraft with a de Havilland Gipsy Major I and increased size rudder.
- Auster J-1N Alpha - powered by a de Havilland Gipsy Major I engine.
- Auster J-1S Autocrat - powered by a de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 Mk 2-2 engine.
[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: 1× Blackburn Cirrus Minor 2 piston engine, 100 hp (76 kw)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 120 mph (194 km/h)
- Range: 320 miles (515 km)
- Service ceiling 14,000 ft (4300 m)
[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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