Auster A.O.P. 6
- Period: Postwar (1945-1959)
- Uses: Observation
- First Flight: May 1, 1945
- Display Status: In Reserve Hangar.
The Auster A.O.P. 6 is a light observation aircraft that was developed from a line of similar machines by the Taylorcraft/Auster company. It was an easily maintained aircraft that could operate from short improvised landing strips in forward battle areas. The Canadian government received 36 Auster 6s in 1948, and 6 Auster 7s in 1951. These aircraft were gradually taken out of service as deliveries of a new machine, the Cessna L-19 Bird Dog, began in 1954. The last Auster was struck off strength in May 1958.
The Museum Auster was taken on strength by the RCAF in 1948. In 1957, the Auster was sold for civilian use, and after passing through the hands of several Canadian owners, was purchased by the Canadian War Museum in 1965. This aircraft was restored by No. 6 Repair Depot, RCAF.
Museum Example
- Registration #: VF582 (RAF)
- Manufacturer: Auster Aircraft Ltd., Great Britain
- Manufacture Date: 1948
- Construction #: TAY221V
- Aquisition Date: 1965
- Provenance: Purchase
The Museum aircraft is finished in the colours of the RAF Auster in which a Canadian, Capt. P.J.A. Tees, won a Distinguished Flying Cross in Korea.
Specifications
- Wing Span:
- 11 m (36 ft)
- Length:
- 7.2 m (23 ft 9 in)
- Height:
- 2.6 m (8 ft 4 in)
- Weight, Empty:
- 667 kg (1,470 lb)
- Weight, Gross:
- 1,002 kg (2,210 lb)
- Cruising Speed:
- 174 km/h (108 mph)
- Max Speed:
- 196 km/h (122 mph)
- Rate of Climb:
- 200 m (660 ft) /min
- Service Ceiling:
- 3,650 m (12,000 ft)
- Range:
- Unknown
- Crew:
- two or three
- Power Plant:
- one de Havilland Gipsy Major 7, 145-hp inverted in-line engine
