Photograph:
Beagle A-61 Terrier VH-WFM (c/n B.628) at Moruya, NSW in January 2002 (David C Eyre)
Country of origin:
United Kingdom
Description:
Three-seat cabin monoplane
Power Plant:
One 108 kw (145 hp) de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 Mk 1 four-cylinder, in-line, inverted, air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 11 m (36 ft)
- Length: 7.09 m (23 ft 3 in)
- Height: 2.72 m (8 ft 11 in)
- Wing area: 17.09 m² (184 sq ft)
- Max speed at 305 m (1,000 ft): 198 km/h (123 mph)
- Cruising speed at 305 m (1,000 ft): 177 km/h (110 mph)
- Economical cruising speed at 305 m (1,000 ft): 167 km/h (104 mph)
- Stalling speed flaps down: 53 km/h (33 mph)
- Initial rate of climb at sea level: 162 m/min (530 ft/min)
- Service ceiling: 4,267 m (14,000 ft)
- Range: at 177 km/h (110 mph) 620 km (385 miles)
- Range at economical cruising speed: 668 km (415 miles)
- Empty weight: 742 kg (1,636 lb)
- Loaded weight: 1,066 kg (2,350 lb)
History:
In the 1959-1960 period a number of British Army Auster Mks 6, 7 and 10 were declared surplus to military requirements and, when released, were purchased by the manufacturers, Auster Aircraft. These aircraft were re-manufactured at Rearsby in Leicestershire by Beagle [British Executive & General Aviation Ltd] in two models, the Model 6A Tugmaster for glider towing, and the Model 6B as a private touring aircraft.
In 1961 the company was renamed Beagle Auster Aircraft Ltd, and the following year became Beagle Aircraft Ltd. The new aircraft then became known as the Beagle Terrier 1. Conversion work included a complete overhaul of the airframe and engine, the fitting of a longer exhaust pipe and silencer, sound proofing of the cabin, more comfortable upholstery, and full dual controls. Optional extras included wheel spats, strut fairings, blind-flying instruments, etc. Despite the fact that the design was by then quite old, the low cost and renowned reliability of the Gipsy Major engine led to a number of orders, and some eighteen Beagle Terrier Is were built.
In 1961 a developed version appeared known as the Terrier 2. Fitted with more luxurious interior, a Fairey Reed metal propeller, fibreglass spats and a long exhaust ventral silencer, this new model also achieved some success, with some 45 being built. Another development during the production of the Terrier 2 led to increases in the flap angle and span of the tailplane, features which were incorporated on nearly all aircraft of this model. A further development known as the Terrier 3 appeared in 1969, and the only example of this model to be built was powered by a 119 kw (160 hp) Lycoming O-320-B2B engine.
Only a few examples of the series have been seen in this region. VH-UPS (c/n B.618 – ex G-ASCG), a Terrier 2, was first registered in July 1969 to the Royal Australian Navy Gliding Association for glider towing at Nowra, NSW but was lost in an accident when it hit power lines at Trundle, NSW, on 4 March 1974.
A second aircraft was imported during 1980 and became VH-WFM (c/n B628 – ex G-ASWM, G-35-11, VF634) in Victoria in 1981. This aircraft was built as a Model K [Auster AOP Mk 6 – c/n 2592] in 1947 at Rearsby, Leicestershire and served with the British Army in the UK and Germany, being sold back to Beagle in 1960 for conversion to A-61 Terrier 2 configuration. After a number of British owners it was imported to Australia and was restored at Caulfield, VIC.
A third aircraft was imported in about 1980 and placed in storage. It is understood to be undergoing restoration at Nar Nar Goon, VIC but as yet has not been placed on the Civil Aircraft Register.
One has been registered in New Zealand, becoming ZK-CDG (c/n B.625). Little is known about this aircraft and it is believed to be in storage in Christchurch.