Auster AOP6 serial A14
Auster AOP6 serial A14
The Auster Model K, named AOP6 (Air Observation Post), is a light observation aircraft designed by Auster Aircraft Ltd. Auster Ltd was originally created to produce under English license the Taylor Cub (predecessor of the fames Piper Cub J-3). Developing its own adaptations of the licensed model, Auster will design and mass produce the Auster V during the Second World War. The AOP6 was developed at the end of the war and was distinguished by a reinforced structure and a more powerful engine. The prototype flew for the first time on May 1, 1945 and 296 machines were immediately ordered by the Royal Air Force. Other countries ordered it, including Belgium who ordered 22 for the newly created Belgian Air Force. Delivered in mid-1947, they carry the RAF serials VT977 to VT997. First based at Schaffen, the Auster were transferred to Brasschaat where they operated as part of the 369th Sqdn. On February 1, 1948, this squadron was renamed 15 Sqdn and in September 1949 it adopted the traditions of this squadron by taking up the motto "Semper Labora". In July 1950 two Austers, including the A14, were used in collaboration with the national gendarmerie to monitor the movements of demonstrators advancing towards Brussels during the «question royale». This was the first time that aircraft were used by the gendarmerie, which later created its own air fleet. The Auster A2 also had an original career as it was used by the Belgian Antarctic expedition from 1957 to 1958. Equipped with skis, a heater and repainted in orange to be more visible, it was abandoned after an accident on December 3, 1958. Another significant, but unfortunate, event in the careers of the Belgian Austers was a mid-air collision during a flypast over Brussels on December 4, 1958. The Auster A10 and A19 crashed into houses in Etterbeek. At the end of their military career in 1957, the 12 surviving Austers were bought by the « Federation of Belgian Aviation Clubs » and distributed to the different clubs. They were mainly used as glider tugs or to pull advertising banners. The A14 (manufacturer number 2830) strangely escaped this fate and was sold in England where it was registered G-BKXP on 12/10/1983. It will change owner several times before the beginning of its restoration to flight condition and wearing Belgian colors. Many parts of the A20 were used as spare parts stock. The last owners having already several other Austers in flying condition, they decided to sell it and the BAPA. acquired it in August 2022. It is currently stored .
Auster AOP6 A14 personal history
1946 built new by Auster with c/n 2830 and serial VT987 for the Royal Air Force.
22/10/1947 sold to Belgium.
23/10/1947 taken on charge by 369 Sqn Air Op at Brasschaat.
24/10/1949 minor inspection.
4/4/1950 nose stand while taxiing at Brasschaat due to the starboard wheel having sunk in the ground.
31/7-1950 flew the first mission for the Belgian state police force.
1/1954 to 15 Sqdn.
12/1956 from 15 Sqdn to 16 Sqdn.
10/1/1957 struck of charge.
Sold to Paul Vliegen at Oostende, then sold to Gerrit Titeca at Oudenburg, then sold in England.
12/10/1983 registered G-BKXP by Ross Skingley trading as Skycraft Services / 657 Sqdn Army Air Corps, Oakington Barracks, Longstanton, Cambridgheshire. Restoration to flying conditions begins with part of AOP6 Belgian Air Force A20.
21/3/1990 reregistered to Bruce John Ellis and William James Ellis / Classic Aero Engineering Ltd, Thruxton Airport, Andover.
10/12/2001 reregistered to Bruce John Ellis, Old Sarum, Salisbury.
9/1/2015 reregistered to Michael Anthony Farrelly and Duncan Keith Chambers, Ash House Farm, Wettenhall, Windsford, Cheshire.
24/8/2022 sold to Belgian Aviation Preservation Association.
24/9/2022 delivery at B.A.P.A. workshop, Gembloux, Belgium where it will be restored for static exhibition in A14 Belgian colours.
Characteristics :
Poweplant: de Havilland Gipsy Major 7 of 145 hp.
Lenght: 7,24 m – 23ft 9in
Wingspan: 10,97 m – 36 ft
Wing area: - 135 sq/ft
Height: 2,55 m – 8ft 8in
Service ceiling: 3650 m – 12000 ft
Range: - 260 miles
Max speed: 196 km/h – 122 mph
Economic speed: 174 km/h – 108 mph
Maximum weight: 1002 kg - 2210lb
Empty weight: 667 kg - 1771lb
total of machine manufactured: 378
The Auster Model K, named AOP6 (Air Observation Post), is a light observation aircraft designed by Auster Aircraft Ltd. Auster Ltd was originally created to produce under English license the Taylor Cub (predecessor of the fames Piper Cub J-3). Developing its own adaptations of the licensed model, Auster will design and mass produce the Auster V during the Second World War. The AOP6 was developed at the end of the war and was distinguished by a reinforced structure and a more powerful engine. The prototype flew for the first time on May 1, 1945 and 296 machines were immediately ordered by the Royal Air Force. Other countries ordered it, including Belgium who ordered 22 for the newly created Belgian Air Force. Delivered in mid-1947, they carry the RAF serials VT977 to VT997. First based at Schaffen, the Auster were transferred to Brasschaat where they operated as part of the 369th Sqdn. On February 1, 1948, this squadron was renamed 15 Sqdn and in September 1949 it adopted the traditions of this squadron by taking up the motto "Semper Labora". In July 1950 two Austers, including the A14, were used in collaboration with the national gendarmerie to monitor the movements of demonstrators advancing towards Brussels during the «question royale». This was the first time that aircraft were used by the gendarmerie, which later created its own air fleet. The Auster A2 also had an original career as it was used by the Belgian Antarctic expedition from 1957 to 1958. Equipped with skis, a heater and repainted in orange to be more visible, it was abandoned after an accident on December 3, 1958. Another significant, but unfortunate, event in the careers of the Belgian Austers was a mid-air collision during a flypast over Brussels on December 4, 1958. The Auster A10 and A19 crashed into houses in Etterbeek. At the end of their military career in 1957, the 12 surviving Austers were bought by the « Federation of Belgian Aviation Clubs » and distributed to the different clubs. They were mainly used as glider tugs or to pull advertising banners. The A14 (manufacturer number 2830) strangely escaped this fate and was sold in England where it was registered G-BKXP on 12/10/1983. It will change owner several times before the beginning of its restoration to flight condition and wearing Belgian colors. Many parts of the A20 were used as spare parts stock. The last owners having already several other Austers in flying condition, they decided to sell it and the BAPA. acquired it in August 2022. It is currently stored .
Auster AOP6 A14 personal history
1946 built new by Auster with c/n 2830 and serial VT987 for the Royal Air Force.
22/10/1947 sold to Belgium.
23/10/1947 taken on charge by 369 Sqn Air Op at Brasschaat.
24/10/1949 minor inspection.
4/4/1950 nose stand while taxiing at Brasschaat due to the starboard wheel having sunk in the ground.
31/7-1950 flew the first mission for the Belgian state police force.
1/1954 to 15 Sqdn.
12/1956 from 15 Sqdn to 16 Sqdn.
10/1/1957 struck of charge.
Sold to Paul Vliegen at Oostende, then sold to Gerrit Titeca at Oudenburg, then sold in England.
12/10/1983 registered G-BKXP by Ross Skingley trading as Skycraft Services / 657 Sqdn Army Air Corps, Oakington Barracks, Longstanton, Cambridgheshire. Restoration to flying conditions begins with part of AOP6 Belgian Air Force A20.
21/3/1990 reregistered to Bruce John Ellis and William James Ellis / Classic Aero Engineering Ltd, Thruxton Airport, Andover.
10/12/2001 reregistered to Bruce John Ellis, Old Sarum, Salisbury.
9/1/2015 reregistered to Michael Anthony Farrelly and Duncan Keith Chambers, Ash House Farm, Wettenhall, Windsford, Cheshire.
24/8/2022 sold to Belgian Aviation Preservation Association.
24/9/2022 delivery at B.A.P.A. workshop, Gembloux, Belgium where it will be restored for static exhibition in A14 Belgian colours.
Characteristics :
Poweplant: de Havilland Gipsy Major 7 of 145 hp.
Lenght: 7,24 m – 23ft 9in
Wingspan: 10,97 m – 36 ft
Wing area: - 135 sq/ft
Height: 2,55 m – 8ft 8in
Service ceiling: 3650 m – 12000 ft
Range: - 260 miles
Max speed: 196 km/h – 122 mph
Economic speed: 174 km/h – 108 mph
Maximum weight: 1002 kg - 2210lb
Empty weight: 667 kg - 1771lb
total of machine manufactured: 378
Above: Auster A-14 camouflaged in belgian service The Auster when BAPA members went to see it in UK and The Auster being loaded to be transported to Belgium.