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Aviation History
1948
1948 - 0403.PDF
MARCH 25TH, 1948 FLIGHT 337 — vision is made in the port wing. Standard equipment includes a Murphy V.H.F. radio mounted in the rear fuselage, with quarter-wave whip aerial fitted behind the cabin; glove and map compartments with hinged doors on each side of the main instrument panel; internal cabin lighting , cabin heater : ventilator ; sun blinds ; ash-trays ; and fire extinguisher. Behind the rear seat is a luggage f§hipartment 31m wide, 21111 long and 32m high, capable of accommodating suitcases up to a total weight of 100 lb. The aircraft also carries starter, generator, navigation lights, silencer and steerable tail wheel. Through intelligent and simple design of many of the small components, such as door latches and hinges, the cost and weight of the Auster have been kept remarkably low in spite of its thorough equipment. The use of components common to other Auster models has also helped in keeping down costs. From the Autocrat have been taken the fin and rudder.; the control column and its yoke ; the rudder pedals and heelbrakes ; the brake lever, wheels and front windscreen. The engine installation forward of the bulk- head, which includes the cowling, the oil tank and oil cooler, is interchangeable with that for the military Mark VI A.o.P. design. Should the Avis be required for light freight duties, the rear seats and their supports can be removed and a clear floor space provided, which, after allowing for the weight of the pilot and fuel for a range of 500 miles, can accom modate about 730 lb of merchandise. The greatest length of the stowage space is 8ft 6in, and the total capacity approximately 75 cu ft. The machine has been down over a wide range of e.g. positions, amounting to 21 per cent of the wing chord. This compares with an average figure of 15 per cent for the type of aircraft. Disposal of load is" unlikely, therefore, to present any diffi- culties. Of the total all-up weight of the Avis, 42 per cent, the equivalent of 1,070 lb, is represented by the disposable load. Behaviour in the Air During a recent visit to Rearsby, Flight's representative was able to make a short flight as pilot of the prototype Avis, carrying three passengers. With four up it is prac- tically impossible to raise the tail of the Avis off the ground on the take-off run, and when ready it flies off in a tail- down attitude. The Gipsy Major X with fixed-pitch air- screw provides adequate power, and the impression is at once given that there is a bigger reserve of power than on other Auster models. So far as general handling is concerned, there is very distinct similarity between the Avis and the Autocrat, but the Avis's controls, particularly the rudder, are appreci- ably heavier. Forward vision for the pilot, both on the ground and in the air, have been slightly improved, and CENTRAL CABIN CABIN FLAP STBD. PUSH-PULL HEATING VENTILATION CONTROL FUEL THROTTLE CONTROL CONTROL LEVER GAUGE Our artist has been able here to bring out the princi- pal feature of the Avis four-seater—its roomy, unobstructed and well-equipped cabin. The clean, sturdy main leg and wheel (with- mud shield), and the flap arrangement should also be noted.
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