Auster Atom
| J/3 Atom | |
|---|---|
| Role | Touring aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Auster Aircraft Limited |
| First flight | 1946 |
| Number built | 1 |
| Developed from | J/2 Arrow |
The Auster J/3 Atom was a 1940s British single-engined two-seat high-wing touring monoplane built by Auster Aircraft Limited at Rearsby, Leicestershire.
History[edit]
The Atom was an attempt to create a lower-powered version of the J-2 Arrow. A modified Arrow was flown with a 65 hp Continental A65-12 engine and designated the J/3 Atom. Only the prototype, registered G-AHSY, (c/n 2250) was built as the aircraft was not developed further. Another example G-AJIJ (c/n 2401) was not completed.
The sole J/3 was dismantled at Rearsby in 1950 and was rebuilt to J/4 standard with a new registration G-AJYX and c/n 2941. It crashed near Melton Mowbray on 22 April 1951 after a pilotless take-off from Rearsby.[1] The Continental A65 engine had been replaced by a 95 hp Blackburn Cirrus Minor II. This aircraft has since been deregistered by the CAA.
Specifications (J-3)[edit]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: up to two passengers
- Length: 25 ft 3 in (7.70 m)
- Wingspan: 36 ft (11 m)
- Height: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
- Wing area: 185 sq ft (17.2 m2)
- Max takeoff weight: 1,601 lb (726 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Continental A65 4-cyl. horizontally opposed air-cooled piston engine at 2350 rpm
Performance
References[edit]
- Notes
- ^ Ellison, 1965, p.55
- Bibliography
- Ellison, N.H. (1965). Auster Aircraft Ltd – Production list. Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd. ASIN B0041OQAEG.
- Jackson, A.J. (1974). British Civil Aircraft since 1919 Volume 1. London: Putnam. ISBN 0-370-10006-9.