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Britain's Taylorcraft Auster reconnaissance1
Taylorcraft Auster Mk I reconnaissance:
Taylorcraft Auster Mk V reconnaissance:
Design
Before World War II the Taylorcraft Auster was designed for the United States' civilian pilot market.1
The Taylorcraft Plus C was chosen to be the Auster Mk I.1
Cockpit
The Auster's cockpit had excellent viability for the pilot and the observer.1 The rear of the cockpit had room to carry a small amount of cargo when needed.1
Wing
The wing had a large trailing edge flaps which allowed for very low speed.1
Tail
The rudder was large and afforded the Auster excellent turning ability.1
Engine
There were two hatches that lifted upwards that provided easy access to the engine.1
Undercarriage
The undercarriage was strong and had big wheels for operating from rough fields.1 Some models had skis or floats.1
Prototype
Production
The Taylorcraft Auster was constructed at Thurmaston in Leicestershire.1
- Auster Mk II: 21
- Auster Mk III: 4701
- Auster Mk IV:
- Auster Mk V: 8001
Variants
- Auster Mk II: Had Lycoming engine.1
- Auster Mk III: Had a Gipsy Major I engine (130 HP).1
- Auster Mk IV: Had a Lycoming O-290 engine.1 Larger cabin had a third seat.1
- Auster Mk V: Had blind flying instruments.1
- Auster Mk V??: Experiments with floats were conducted in 1945.1
Usage
The Auster equipped 19 squadrons.1 They were used primarily in North Africa and Europe.1
Far East
The No. 656 Squadron was only one equipped with the Auster in the Far East.1
| Taylorcraft Auster Mk V1 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Liaison1 Reconnaissance1 |
| Crew | Pilot, observer1 |
| Engine (Type) | Lycoming O-290-31 |
| Cylinders | Horizontally opposed 41 |
| Cooling | |
| HP | 1301 |
| Propeller blades | |
| Dimensions | |
| Span | 36'1 10.97 m1 |
| Length | 22' 5"1 6.83 m1 |
| Height | 8'1 2.44 m1 |
| Wing area | 167 ft2 1 15.51 m2 1 |
| Weight | |
| Empty | 1,098 lb1 499 kg1 |
| Loaded | 1,846 lb1 839 kg1 |
| Performance | |
| Speed | 130 mph1 209 kph1 |
| Speed - cruising | 112 mph1 180 kph1 |
| Climb | |
| Service ceiling | 18,500'1 5,639 m1 |
| Range | 250 miles1 402 km1 |
| Armament | |
| Wings |
Sources:
- Aircraft of WWII, General Editor: Jim Winchester, 2004
