VX927/G-ASYG Beagle Terrier 2
masquerading as a Military Auster T7
Related Notes & Links
Auster Aircraft Limited were a major supplier of Air Observation Post (AOP) Aircraft to the
Royal Air Force Army Cooperation Squadrons and later to the successor British Army Air Corp.
When the Auster AOP.9 began to replace the Auster AOP.6 in operational service, Auster bough back large
numbers of the AOP.6 Aircraft and re-engineered them for Civilian use.
The result being two distinct models, the Auster 6A Tugmaster optimised for Glider Towing, but also for
light Utility Work and the Auster 6B a three seat touring Aircraft.
In 1960 Auster was subject to a initially complex consolidation of the Aviation design Interests
of Pressed Steel, F.G.Miles and Auster with the result it became briefly Beagle-Auster and then
Beagle Aircraft, although the Auster brand name was still used for some types.
One of the first results from the new company was a further rework of the Auster 6B to become the
Beagle A.61 Terrier, which first flew in 1961.
While the first Terrier 1 Aircraft were being converted from AOP.6 Airframes the design office was
making further modifications to the Terrier. So after 18 Terrier 1s were produced, production moved
to the Terrier 2, of which 45 were built, including VX927/G-ASYG shown in the Photograph.
So where does the Auster T7 fit into this?
Well the Auster T7 was a dual control version of the Auster AOP.6 for pilot training. Unlike the AOP.6
these remained in service as the AOP.9 was phased in. VX927/G-ASYG represents a standard Auster
T.7, but two Aircraft were modified for the
Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition 1966-1958
and designated Auster Antarctic. These aircraft had extra radio equipment, larger tail surfaces, the ability to be fitted with floats
or skis as required and a bright orange finish to aid visibility.
Links:
Beagle Terrier/Auster AOP.6 and AOP.9.
Beagle A.61 Terrier - Wikipedia Entry
Auster AOP.6/Auster T.7/Auster Antarctic - Wikipedia Entry
Auster AOP.9 - Wikipedia Entry
Beagle and Predecessors
Beagle Aircraft Limited/British Executive & General Aviation Limited (trading as BEAGLE) - Wikipedia Entry
Auster Aircraft Limited - Wikipedia Entry
Auster Aircraft Aircraft Production - Web Site
Miles Aircraft - Wikipedia Entry
Pressed Steel Company Limited - Wikipedia Entry
