Skip to content
Log in
Register
7397 - XP 280 on display at Snibston Discovery Park
Item
of 1
XP 280 on display at Snibston Discovery Park
This item is active and ready to use
XP 280 on display at Snibston Discovery Park
XP 280 on display at Snibston Discovery Park
Select
Feedback
Purchase this image
Use
Category
Reproduction
Circulation
Duration
Region
Required information
Media options
Item details
About this image
Additional resources
iBase ID
7397
Title
XP 280 on display at Snibston Discovery Park
Description
Auster AOP Mk 9, 1961. XP 280 was one of the last Mk 9's produced. It had been stored at RAF St Athan in 1966 where it stayed until 1974 when it was bought by Leicestershire Museums Service. It is now on display at Snibston Discovery Park.
High-wing light monoplane with welded tubular steel frame fuselage. The wings have internal wooden spars and aluminium cross-members. Wings, fuselage and tailplane are encased in canvas which has been stretched tight by means of the application of dope.
The plane has two rubber-tyred wheels on elastic-sprung struts below the cabin, and a small sprung tailwheel. The aircraft is painted in military camouflage colours.
The Mk9, developed in 1954, was the last military model produced by Auster Aircraft Ltd. 182 were supplied to the British and Indian armies and they were in service throughout the world.
Normally carrying a pilot and an observer, it also had additional seating for one passenger. Improved landing gear and tyres allowed it to take off and land on rough surfaces. The rear floor of the cockpit was also easily detachable, allowing it to be used for casualty evacuation, photography, cable laying and supply dropping.
However, the Auster's role as an Air Observation Post began to be replaced by the helicopter. The aircraft were taken out of service in 1966, ending their 25-year relationship with the Army.
XP 280 was one of the last Mk 9's produced. It had been stored at RAF St Athan in 1966 where it stayed until 1974 when it was bought by Leicestershire Museums Service.
Maker
Blank/Empty
LCC ID. No.
t1941975_0_0a.jpg
Image Use
Personal use only unless otherwise agreed
Notes
IM&ICT - RC
Exhibitions with this image
Auster AOP Mk 9, 1961. XP 280 was one of the last Mk 9's produced. It had been stored at RAF St Athan in 1966 where it stayed until 1974 when it was bought by Leicestershire Museums Service. It is now on display at Snibston Discovery Park.
High-wing light monoplane with welded tubular steel frame fuselage. The wings have internal wooden spars and aluminium cross-members. Wings, fuselage and tailplane are encased in canvas which has been stretched tight by means of the application of dope.
The plane has two rubber-tyred wheels on elastic-sprung struts below the cabin, and a small sprung tailwheel. The aircraft is painted in military camouflage colours.
The Mk9, developed in 1954, was the last military model produced by Auster Aircraft Ltd. 182 were supplied to the British and Indian armies and they were in service throughout the world.
Normally carrying a pilot and an observer, it also had additional seating for one passenger. Improved landing gear and tyres allowed it to take off and land on rough surfaces. The rear floor of the cockpit was also easily detachable, allowing it to be used for casualty evacuation, photography, cable laying and supply dropping.
However, the Auster's role as an Air Observation Post began to be replaced by the helicopter. The aircraft were taken out of service in 1966, ending their 25-year relationship with the Army.
XP 280 was one of the last Mk 9's produced. It had been stored at RAF St Athan in 1966 where it stayed until 1974 when it was bought by Leicestershire Museums Service.
Subjects
Armed Forces & Conflict
Transport
Transport
>
Other Transport
Working Life
>
Industrial
File metadata
File name
2340.jpg
File size
1.26 MB
File extension
JPEG
Width
1927 px
Height
831 px
Uploaded on
2013-06-05 10:54:16
Date taken
19/05/2008
