INDEX OF NAVAL AIRCRAFT

 

   Taylorcraft Auster 
MkI,MkIII,MkV
 

History

British artillery reconaissance and liaison aircraft. The Auster- of American origin - was a
high-wing monoplane, the standard liaison and observation aircraft of the Army during WWII. The pilots were artillery officers, but the aircraft were operated by the RAF
until 1957. The Auster was in service until 1964, then was replaced by light helicopters.
2044 built.

The Fleet Air Arm Austers were all transferred from the RAF, included the Mark I powered with Blackburn Cirrus Minor engines, the Mark III fitted with DH Gipsey Major engines, and the Mark V with Lycoming )-290-3 engines.

Seven aircraft were transferred from the RAF to the Fleet Air Arm where they were used as hacks, for mounting on small ships for flying off on spotter duties. The first aircraft to the
Fleet Air Arm was LB372 on 9 January 1943 to Desford. Subsequently to the A & AEE
on 30 April 1944. The first squadron received the Auster on 10 January 1945 for ferry duties with 730 squadron in Pretoria Castle. The Auster was used by the Royal Navy until well after WW2.

Fleet Air Arm history
Auster
Total FAA 1939-1945:             7
First delivered to RN:               January 1943 to Desford, and the A& AEE Boscombe
                                             Down 30 April 1944
First squadron 1939 -1945:        730 squadron
Last served with RN                 After WW2

Aircraft Type:
 Taylorcraft Auster
Mark:
 Auster Mk. I, III,V
Primary Role:
 As FAA hacks, for mounting on small ships for flying off on spotter duties.
First Flight: 
 -
Date operating with FAA squadrons:
 1943-1954
Manufacturer:
 Taylorcraft
Engine:
 Mk I 90hp Blackburn Cirrus Minor I
Mk III with 130hp DH Gipsey Major I
Mk V with 130hp Lycoming O-290-3
 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: 
 -
Empty Weight: Max.Weight:
 -
Speed: 

Ceiling: 

Range:

 Speed: 210km/h
Ceiling: 4500m
Range: 480km
Armament: 
 None
Crew:
 2
Squadrons:
 730,768,778,781, 790
Battle honours:
 none
Additional references and notes:
 Sturtivant, R. & Burrow, M (1995)  'Fleet Air Arm Aircraft 1939 to1945'  Published by Air Britain (Historians) Ltd, 1995 ISBN: 0 85130 232 7 

Battle Honours and Operational History

None of the type saw action in the Fleet Air Arm.  The Auster had an operational history with other forces. It was used by the 369th squadron at Brasschaat for artillery observation in WW2.

Surviving aircraft and relics
Since the Auster retired in the 1950s there are many surviving marks in existence. Auster TJ651 of the FAA was still extant as G-APIC in 1952 but its whereabouts is not now known. A number of marks are preserved in airworthy condition at the Military Auster Flight (UK). It is not known whether any are former FAA aircraft.



Cosford museum (UK) Auster C.4 WE600/7602M

The Auster C.4 at Cosford RAF Museum (UK) is a single piston engined communications and training high wing monoplane which has been modified for Antarctic exploration use.

Classified Ads - Buy/Sale/Trade
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Associations and reunions
 
FURTHER INFORMATION
  
Sturtivant, R. & Burrow, M (1995)  'Fleet Air Arm Aircraft 1939 to1945'  Published by Air Britain (Historians) Ltd, 1995 ISBN: 0 85130 232 7 
Warbird Alley Warbird Alley, an online reference source for information about privately-owned, ex-military aircraft. Includes details and specs and a summary total of airworthy aircraft including the Auster
Taylorcraft Owners Club and Foundation Taylorcraft Owners Club and Foundation
 
Created 3-4-1999, Modified 3-4-2000
 

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