Photograph:
Auster 6A Tugmaster G-ASNB at Wellesbourne in the United Kingdom (unknown)
Country of origin:
United Kingdom
Description:
Two-seat light glider tug, sport and touring monoplane
Power Plant:
One 108 kw (145 hp) de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 Mk 1-1 four-cylinder, in-line, inverted, air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 10.97 m (36 ft)
- Length: 7.27 m (23 ft 9 in)
- Height: 2.56 m (8 ft 4½ in)
- Wing area: 17.37 m² (187 sq ft)
- Max speed: 198 km/h (123 mph)
- Cruising speed: 174 km/h (108 mph)
- Initial rate of climb: 247 m/min (810 ft/min)
- Service ceiling: 4,267 m (14,000 ft)
- Empty weight: 635 kg (1,400 lb)
- Loaded weight: 998 kg (2,200 lb)
History:
Following the retirement of a number of Auster AOP.6 aircraft from military service in 1959 after the introduction into British Army service of the Auster AOP.9, many of the survivors were obtained by Auster Aircraft Ltd for conversion for civil use and re-sale. The majority were overhauled and rebuilt as Beagle Terriers for aero club and private use, but 29 were fitted with the Gipsy Major 10 Mk 1-1 engine, fitted with larger tail surfaces and, designated the Auster 6A Tugmaster, were aimed at the glider towing market. Provision was made for a crew of two.
The prototype G-ARCY (c/n 2482) first flew with the markings G25-9 in August 1960. This model was produced at Lasham in Hampshire and was fitted with an electrically-operated winch under the fuselage. A second aircraft was completed at Rearsby in Leicestershire G-ARDX (c/n 1905) and this had a standard hook for glider towing.
Most of the subsequent conversions to Tugmaster configuration took place at Rearsby and the type saw extensive use in the United Kingdom. Three were fitted with dual controls, and 11 were supplied for glider towing in Scandinavia.
None were seen in this region until March 2007 when Shoal Air of Kununurra, WA imported and registered VH-KUN (c/n 3725 – ex G-ASNB, VX118).