One other likely twin engine candidate would be the Avro Anson. An Aircraft very similar to the Oxford.
Well I am off for the nap now, really I mean it this time.
Regards
alfa6 ;>}
One other likely twin engine candidate would be the Avro Anson. An Aircraft very similar to the Oxford.
Well I am off for the nap now, really I mean it this time.
Regards
alfa6 ;>}
Auster IV - V /J-1 - J-5
Background
The Auster was developed from a licence built version of the American Taylorcraft cabin monoplane. The Taylorcraft was created in the US, although the designer, C.Gilbert Taylor was originally from Nottingham. Taylor's original company had been acquired by William Piper, for whom he designedthe E-2 Cub. They parted company in 1935, and Taylor went on to form the Taylor-Young Aeroplane Co. which produced the Taylorcraft.
The initial British version, the Model Plus C which flew in May 1939, was an adaption of the American Model B. Around 20 had been sold when the war broke out. Fitted with a 90hp Cirrus Minor I in place of the original 55hp Lycoming O-145-A2, the aircraft was utilised by British forces for artillery observation. In 1941, in line with Ministry of Aircraft police, the aircraft was named 'Auster', the latin name for a warm southerly wind.
Utilised as a liason and reconaissance aircraft, the Auster Air Observation Post (AOP) underwent development and modification to enhance performance. The initial AOP.3 was upgraded to the 130hp Lycoming O-290-3 Mk.2, and the 130hp Gypsy M ajor 1 Mk.3 (which also introduced flaps). Changes were also made to the aircraft's structure to improve strength and pilot visibility, and add refinements like a tailwheel. The AOP.4 (or Model G) also used the 130hp Lycoming O-290-3. The 1944 AOP.5 (Model J) is considered the definative AOP Auster. This also featured a 130hp Lycoming O-290-3/1 engine and brought together the refinements of the earlier models. 790 of this model were eventually produced, and many survived onto the civil register.
Development did not cease however, and the AOP.6 appeared in May 1945. Again this had a stronger structure, as well as lengthened undercarriage and the more powerful Gypsy major 7 allowing an increased maximum weight. This aircraft was also fitted with floats and skis. A dual control version of the AOP.6 was designated the T.7, and one aircraft NZ1707 (described below) a T.7c was modified for Antarctic use. The final military variant which appeared in March 1954, was the AOP.9. This had an all metal contruction, and was powered by the 180hp Cirrus Bombardier engine. This served with the British, Indian, and South African forces. An AOP.11 prototype (featurning a 260hp Continental IO-470-D) was produced in 1961, but by that time its role had been taken over by helicopters, and it did not go into production.
In 1945 Auster Aircraft ltd was formed when the original Taylorcraft license expured. The company continued with development and production of the Auster. The 1946 J/1 Autocrat was a civilian version of the Auster Mk.5 incorporating a 100hp Cirrus Minor II engine and some cabin changes. The 'J' label follows the original company's internal designations. This was a three seater like the earlier AOP versions. In 1950 the J/1B Aiglet incorporated the more powerful 130hp Gypsy major 1, with a shorter undercarriage and larger tailfin and rudder. Some J/1's were later modified to J/1B, and some were factory altered. The 1956 J/1N Alpha is another J/1 conversion and is generally externally similar to the J/1B, apart from the addition of an oil cooler.
More...
http://www.kiwiaircraftimages.com/auster.html