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Auster Atom

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J/3 Atom
General information
TypeTouring aircraft
ManufacturerAuster Aircraft Limited
Number built1
History
First flight1946
Developed fromJ/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

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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crashed near Melton Mowbray on 22 April 1951 after a pilotless take-off from Rearsby.[1] The Continental A65 engine had been replaced by a 95 hp Blackburn Cirrus Minor II.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)

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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

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Notes
  1. ^ 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.
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