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Auster Autocrat
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The Auster J/1 Autocrat was a 1940s British single-engined three-seat high-wing touring monoplane built by Auster Aircraft Limited at Rearsby, Leicestershire.
Key Information
History
[edit]As the end of the Second World War approached, the designers at Taylorcraft decided to develop a tourer version of the robust and reliable Taylorcraft Auster Model J AOP.V observation aircraft series. An Auster 5, registered G-AGOH, was modified to take a 100 hp (75 kW) Blackburn Cirrus II engine for trials. At the same time a prototype aircraft was built designated the Taylorcraft Auster V Series J/1 Autocrat. The long name was not used as the company changed name to Auster Aircraft Limited and the aircraft became known as the Auster J/1 Autocrat.[1]
The designation J/1 derived from the progenitor Model J, which was the Auster AOP.V.[2][3]
Production and operation
[edit]
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The first production aircraft, registered G-AGTO, was delivered in December 1945. One of the more spectacular feats of the type was the first visit of a civilian aircraft to an aircraft carrier, HMS Illustrious in the English Channel in October 1946.[citation needed] The last Rearsby built J/1s were delivered in 1952.
The Autocrat became one of the most successful post-war British light aircraft with more than 400 built. A small number of variants were built and the aircraft became the basis for a family of light aircraft. The Autocrat was used by individual pilots, aero clubs and by small charter firms for passenger flights, banner towing and photography.
Many J/1s were converted to J/1N Alpha standard with a higher fin and fitted with a 130 h.p. Gipsy Major engine, as used in the J/1B Aiglet. 45 new build J/1N Alphas were completed in 1956–57, mainly for export to Australia.
A single Autocrat G-AGVI was converted by V.H. Bellamy in 1965 to be powered by a Rover TP gas turbine engine. It reverted to normal power in 1968.
Starting in 1946, newly built examples of the Autocrat and Alpha were exported direct from the production line at Rearsby to many countries worldwide including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Ceylon, Denmark, Egypt, France, Iraq, Jordan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, South Africa, Southern Rhodesia, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda and Uruguay.[4] Other UK-registered aircraft were later sold overseas on the secondhand market.
Numbers of Autocrats and Alphas continue to fly into the 2010s with private owners in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere.
Variants
[edit]- Auster J/1 Autocrat
- production version with Blackburn Cirrus Major engine.[5] Several later fitted with engines up to the 150 h.p. Lycoming O-320-A1A.
- Auster J/1A Autocrat
- additional (fourth-seat) for joyriding.[6]
- Auster J/1N Alpha
- powered by a de Havilland Gipsy Major I engine and with enlarged tail surfaces. Four seater.[7]
- Auster J/1S Autocrat
- powered by a 145 h.p. de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 Mk 2-2 engine.[7]
- Kingsford Smith Kingsmith
- An Auster J/1 conversion in Australia by Kingsford Smith Aviation Services, fitted with a 150hp (112kW) Avco Lycoming O-320 engine[8] and other improvement (including better seating and sound-proofing).
Operators
[edit]Civil operators
[edit]
- Rhodesian Air Force – one aircraft only
- Southern Rhodesian Air Force – one aircraft only
Specifications (Auster J/1 Autocrat)
[edit]Data from British Civil Aviation since 1919 Volume 1[9]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: 2 passengers
- Length: 23 ft 5 in (7.14 m)
- Wingspan: 36 ft 0 in (10.97 m)
- Height: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) (tail down propeller horizontal)
- Wing area: 185 sq ft (17.2 m2)
- Empty weight: 1,052 lb (477 kg)
- Gross weight: 1,850 lb (839 kg)
- Fuel capacity: Fuel: 15 imp gal (18 US gal; 68 L)[10]
- Powerplant: 1 × Blackburn Cirrus Minor 2 4-cyl air-cooled inverted in-line piston engine, 100 hp (75 kW)
- Propellers: 2-bladed Fairey-Reed metal or Weybridge wooden fixed pitch propeller, 6 ft (1.8 m) diameter [10]
Performance
- Maximum speed: 120 mph (190 km/h, 100 kn)
- Cruise speed: 100 mph (160 km/h, 87 kn)
- Stall speed: 30 mph (48 km/h, 26 kn) 2 crew and flaps down[10]
- Range: 320 mi (510 km, 280 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 14,000 ft (4,300 m)
- Rate of climb: 568 ft/min (2.89 m/s)
- Take-off run: 250 yd (230 m) in 5 mph (4.3 kn; 8.0 km/h) wind[10]
- Landing run: 99 yd (91 m) in 5 mph (4.3 kn; 8.0 km/h) wind[10]
See also
[edit]
In popular culture
[edit]An Auster Autocrat (registration G-AJAE) was featured in Episode 10 of the LWT series The Gold Robbers which first aired in August 1969.[citation needed]
An Auster Autocrat (registration G-AIGD) was featured in Episode 42 of the BBC series Father Brown which first aired in January 2016.[citation needed]
An Auster J/1N (registration G-AJAJ) featured in Foyle's War Series 8 Episode 3, Elise, airdate January 2015.[citation needed]
References
[edit]- Bridgman, Leonard, ed. (1947). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1947. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Co.
- Ellison, N.H. (1966). Auster Aircraft – Aircraft Production List. Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd.
- Hitchman, Ambrose (1989). The History of the Auster Aeroplane. International Auster Pilot Club.
- Jackson, A. J. (1973). British Civil Aviation since 1919 Volume 1. London: Putnam. ISBN 0-370-10006-9.
Further reading
[edit]- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982–1985). Orbis Publishing.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Auster J/1 Autocrat.
- "Auster Autocrat". British Aircraft Directory. 3 December 2005. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 29 March 2019.
Auster Autocrat
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Design and Development
Origins
The Auster Autocrat originated as a post-World War II civilian adaptation of the Taylorcraft Auster AOP.V observation aircraft (civil equivalent Auster 5), a high-wing aircraft developed during the war for military use by the Allied forces. The Auster AOP.V, produced by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Limited, had served extensively in roles such as artillery spotting and liaison, with approximately 800 units built, contributing to over 1,600 total Auster aircraft produced during the war for military use. Engineers at the company recognized the potential to modify this design by removing military-specific equipment, such as radio masts and observation windows, to create a more comfortable touring aircraft suitable for general aviation.[3] This development was deeply influenced by the wartime production experience at the company's facilities in Rearsby, Leicestershire, where Taylorcraft had ramped up manufacturing to meet military demands starting in 1939. As the war concluded in 1945, the firm, renamed Auster Aircraft Limited on March 8, 1946, to capitalize on the established "Auster" name, shifted focus from military contracts to civilian markets amid a surge in demand for affordable light aircraft for private pilots and flying clubs. The transition capitalized on the existing infrastructure and skilled workforce at Rearsby Aerodrome, allowing for a rapid pivot to peacetime production without major disruptions. This move aligned with broader British aviation trends, where surplus military designs were adapted to support the burgeoning recreational flying sector in the late 1940s.[4][5] A pivotal decision was made to configure the aircraft as a three-seat touring monoplane, emphasizing simplicity, low operating costs, and ease of maintenance to appeal to post-war enthusiasts and small operators seeking economical alternatives to pre-war designs. This responded directly to the economic constraints and enthusiasm for personal aviation in Britain following the war, where flying clubs sought versatile, entry-level aircraft for training and leisure. The initial prototype, registered G-AFWN, was converted from a crashed Taylorcraft Model D airframe in early 1945 and served to validate the core design modifications, including a revised cabin layout and engine integration, paving the way for further testing and production. A second prototype, G-AGOH, followed with its first flight on May 25, 1945, confirming the aircraft's viability as a civilian tourer before the first production example, G-AGTO, was delivered in December 1945.[5][1]Design Features
The Auster Autocrat was designed as a high-wing monoplane featuring a fixed tailwheel undercarriage, which contributed to its stability on the ground and enhanced short-field performance by allowing operations from unprepared airstrips.[1][6] This configuration, inherited from its military predecessors, provided excellent visibility for the pilot during takeoff and landing while maintaining simplicity in design.[7] The aircraft employed all-wooden construction throughout its airframe, utilizing spruce spars and longerons, plywood skinning, and fabric covering over the wings, fuselage, and tail surfaces, which prioritized ease of maintenance and repair using readily available materials in the post-war era.[8] This lightweight yet robust build reduced overall weight and manufacturing complexity, making it suitable for civilian touring roles.[2] Power was provided by a standard 100 hp (75 kW) Blackburn Cirrus Minor II four-cylinder inline engine, an inverted air-cooled unit that drove a two-bladed fixed-pitch wooden propeller for reliable low-speed operation.[1][7] The fuel system consisted of two wing tanks with a total capacity feeding the engine via gravity, supporting endurance of approximately four hours at cruise.[9] The cockpit accommodated the pilot and two passengers in tandem seating, with the forward position for the pilot offering full dual controls as an optional feature to facilitate basic training.[6] This arrangement maximized space efficiency in the narrow fuselage while ensuring accessibility for entry and exit through upward-hinging doors on each side.[1] The wings, spanning 10.97 m (36 ft) with an area of 17.2 m² (185 sq ft), incorporated leading-edge slats, split flaps, and ailerons to improve low-speed handling and lift generation, complemented by the tail surfaces for precise control authority during slow flight and crosswind landings.[6][7] These aerodynamic refinements, derived from the Taylorcraft Auster 5 lineage, enabled a notably low stall speed, enhancing the aircraft's versatility for recreational and instructional use.[2]Production
Manufacturing Process
The production of the Auster J/1 Autocrat took place primarily at Auster Aircraft Limited's main factory at Rearsby Aerodrome in Leicestershire, England, where the company leveraged adapted wartime assembly lines to transition to civil aircraft manufacturing. By 1947, an additional facility, No. 7 Works at Syston, supported overflow production, employing around 200 workers across both sites following a postwar reduction from a wartime peak of 1,600 personnel operating in 10 factories.[4] The transition from prototype to series production occurred in December 1945, with the first production Autocrat (G-AGTO) delivered shortly thereafter, marking the shift from military-oriented Auster V models to the civil J/1 variant. This change capitalized on existing infrastructure, including a mobile assembly line for fuselages introduced in July 1944 that enabled output of up to four units per day during peak wartime efforts, now repurposed for efficient civil builds.[4] Construction followed a sequential process beginning with fuselage framing, where high-tensile steel tubes were welded into a space-frame structure, augmented by minimal wooden components such as spruce main wing spars. Wings were then assembled separately using pressed steel aerofoil sections and wooden spars, before integration with the fuselage; the engine—typically a Blackburn Cirrus Minor Series 2, sourced from British manufacturer Blackburn Aircraft—was installed next, followed by attachment of flying controls, instruments from UK suppliers like Smiths Industries, and final covering with doped fabric over the frame for weatherproofing and tautness. The supply chain relied heavily on domestic British providers, including spruce wood from local timber mills and precision instruments from established aviation firms, ensuring compliance with postwar material availability constraints.[10][4][11] Quality control was rigorous, incorporating inspections at each assembly stage and mandatory test flights at Rearsby Aerodrome to verify performance and structural integrity. Certification adhered to the British Civil Airworthiness Requirements (BCAR), with each aircraft undergoing final approval by the Air Ministry before release, a process that included static load tests on the steel tube framework and fabric doping verification to meet tautness standards.[4][12]Output and Distribution
The Auster Autocrat achieved a total production of 420 units between 1945 and 1952.[5] Of these, 419 were newly built, with one additional example converted from a prototype.[5] Production peaked during 1946 and 1947, when the majority of the aircraft were completed to meet postwar demand for light touring planes.[13] Serial numbers for the Autocrat ranged from c/n 124 to c/n 3102, encompassing both prototypes and production models.[5] The first production aircraft, registered G-AGTO and powered by a 100 hp Blackburn Cirrus Minor II engine, was delivered in December 1945.[1] Subsequent units followed rapidly, with series production of the basic J/1 model effectively ceasing in July 1947 after over 400 had been built, though final completions extended into the early 1950s.[13] Exports of the Autocrat began in 1946, with shipments directed to several countries including Australia, Argentina, and New Zealand.[2] In Australia, dozens of units were supplied to aero clubs, such as the Royal Newcastle Aero Club, which acquired four examples starting in 1948 for training and touring.[14] Similar distributions occurred in New Zealand, where aircraft like ZK-ALW entered service with local operators in 1946, and in Argentina, where registrations such as LV-NBV were issued for civil use.[15][16] These exports often involved direct delivery from the Rearsby factory, supporting international demand for affordable three-seat monoplanes.[2] Within the United Kingdom, distribution primarily occurred through aero clubs, private sales to individual pilots, and small charter companies for applications like passenger flights and aerial photography.[7] The aircraft's low cost—around £1,000 per unit—and wooden construction made it accessible for postwar recovery in the civil aviation sector.[17] Production ultimately ended due to declining demand, exacerbated by economic pressures and increasing competition from more modern metal aircraft, such as the Piper PA-15 Vagabond introduced in 1947.[13] This shift toward tricycle-gear and all-metal designs from American manufacturers reduced the market for fabric-covered tail-draggers like the Autocrat.[18]Operational History
Civil Applications
The Auster J/1 Autocrat served primarily as a touring and training aircraft for private pilots and flying clubs in the post-war era, facilitating cross-country flights and pilot instruction due to its economical design and ease of handling.[19] With over 400 units produced, it became a staple in the UK civil aviation boom, enabling affordable access to the skies for enthusiasts and clubs alike.[19] For instance, the Denham Flying Club integrated Auster variants into its fleet for training purposes, supporting the resurgence of civilian flying activities after World War II.[20] Beyond training, the Autocrat found employment in various civilian roles, including joyriding, banner towing for aerial advertising, aerial photography, and passenger charters, particularly in the UK and exported markets.[19] Its versatility allowed operators to adapt it for short-haul passenger transport and recreational flights, contributing to the growth of small-scale commercial aviation.[21] In regions like Australia, the Autocrat demonstrated adaptability for agricultural applications, with conversions for crop dusting and spraying to support farming operations.[22] These modifications enabled efficient coverage of fields, such as 35-40 acres per hour in high-density spraying tasks, at lower costs than ground methods.[22] However, its wooden airframe posed maintenance challenges in humid climates, requiring vigilant inspections to mitigate moisture-related degradation and ensure structural integrity.[23]Notable Incidents and Achievements
One of the most notable early achievements of the Auster J/1 Autocrat was its participation in a publicity stunt on 16 October 1946, when pilot Richard Worcester successfully landed the aircraft G-AERO on the deck of HMS Illustrious in the English Channel, marking the first time a civilian aircraft had operated on an active aircraft carrier.[24] This demonstration highlighted the Autocrat's short takeoff and landing capabilities, boosting its profile as a versatile post-war tourer. The Autocrat played a key role in the surge of civilian pilot training in the late 1940s, serving as an affordable trainer that helped develop a new generation of postwar pilots through flying clubs subsidized by the British government.[4] Its low operating cost of around two shillings and sixpence per hour made it accessible for aspiring aviators, contributing to the expansion of private flying in the United Kingdom during the immediate postwar period.[13] Early operations were not without incident, as several accidents in 1947 underscored reliability challenges with the type. For instance, on 25 November 1947, the Autocrat G-AGTS was destroyed during a landing at Denham Airfield, Buckinghamshire, due to pilot error in a private flight.[25] Another fatal crash involving G-AHCP on 28 June 1947 was attributed to an error of judgment by the pilot during approach. Additionally, on 28 July 1947, the Swedish-registered SE-ARE suffered an engine failure from carburetor icing during approach, leading to a collision with another aircraft and substantial damage.[26] These events, often linked to engine issues or pilot handling, were common in the type's initial years as operators adapted to the new design.Variants
Core Variants
The core variants of the Auster Autocrat encompassed the primary factory-produced models from Auster Aircraft Limited, each tailored for civilian touring or utility with distinct configurations. The Auster J/1 Autocrat served as the baseline three-seater, equipped with a 100 hp Blackburn Cirrus Minor II engine and featuring a revised rear cabin layout along with a one-piece Perspex windscreen for improved visibility.[5] A total of 419 units were built new between 1945 and 1952, with the prototype achieving certification in early 1945 and initial deliveries commencing in December of that year.[5][1] The J/1B Aiglet was a crop-spraying variant equipped with a 130 hp de Havilland Gipsy Major 1 engine, stronger struts, and a larger fin and rudder for improved stability.[5] A total of 89 units were built new between 1950 and 1954, with 7 conversions from existing J/1 airframes.[5]Conversions and Derivatives
The Auster J/1A Autocrat was a four-seat adaptation optimized for joyriding operations, incorporating minor structural reinforcements to the fuselage and cabin to support the additional rear bench seating without altering the overall airframe significantly.[1] Production was limited to 2 conversions of existing J/1 airframes during the late 1940s.[5] The J/1S Autocrat represented a performance-enhanced iteration, integrating a more powerful 145 hp de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 Mk 2-2 engine in place of the standard Cirrus Minor, which necessitated adjustments to the engine mounting and cowling for better airflow and cooling efficiency.[5] It also adopted the larger fin and rudder assembly from the J/5B series to enhance stability.[5] Built as 2 conversions during the late 1940s, the variant received certification approval for its modifications, with the initial example completed in Kenya.[5] The Auster J/1N Alpha emerged as a significant post-production modification of the J/1 Autocrat, involving the replacement of the original 100 hp Cirrus Minor II engine with a more powerful 130 hp de Havilland Gipsy Major 1, alongside the addition of a larger fin and rudder derived from the J/5 series for enhanced directional stability and handling, particularly in crosswinds.[5] This upgrade addressed limitations in the base Autocrat's performance, with 62 conversions from existing J/1 airframes completed between 1956 and 1962, plus 45 new-build examples produced during the same period, many of which were adapted for agricultural roles.[5][1] In Australia, Kingsford Smith Aviation Services at Bankstown undertook a notable conversion of a J/1 Autocrat (c/n 2346) in 1959, re-engining it with a 150 hp Lycoming O-320-A2A and incorporating an extended dorsal fin for improved stability, along with wheel spats and other refinements, resulting in the Kingsmith variant (also designated J/1Y).[5][27] This modification enhanced cruise speed and payload capacity for local touring and utility operations, with the prototype registered as VH-AYJ and serving as a template for potential further adaptations, though production remained limited to 2 individual conversions.[27] Additional third-party modifications included engine swaps to suit export markets and operational needs, such as installations of American Lycoming engines like the O-320 or O-290 for increased power in hot climates or agricultural duties, often paired with tail surface enlargements for better control.[5] The J/1U Workmaster was a factory-produced agricultural adaptation derived from the J/1N, incorporating a strengthened fuselage, low-pressure tires, and optional chemical hoppers for crop spraying, with 10 units built from 1958 to 1961.[5] These changes extended the Autocrat's versatility, focusing on durability in demanding environments.[5]Operators
Civil Operators
In the United Kingdom, the Auster J/1 Autocrat was extensively operated by major aero clubs and private owners during the late 1940s and 1950s, forming a significant portion of the post-war civil light aircraft fleet. Prominent users included the Brooklands Flying Club at Sywell Aerodrome, which acquired aircraft such as G-AJRB in 1947 for training and touring, and the Lancashire Aero Club at Blackpool, which operated Autocrats in the late 1940s for pleasure flying and light charter services. Other notable operators were the Southend Flying Club with G-AGYF and the Christchurch (UK) Aero Club, alongside the British European Airways Flying Club, which flew G-AIBR from 1947 to 1948 before transferring it to Brooklands. Private owners accounted for the majority of the approximately 420 Autocrats produced, with sales exceeding 300 units in the UK market by the mid-1950s, often configured as three-seat tourers for personal use and joyriding.[28][29][30][19] Internationally, the Autocrat saw civil operation across several countries, primarily through aero clubs, charter firms, and private entities for touring, training, and utility roles. In Rhodesia (later Southern Rhodesia), the aircraft was popular for touring and pilot training among private operators and clubs in the 1950s, exemplified by flights over regions like Wankie National Park.[5][31] Further afield, Australian aero clubs adapted the Autocrat for bush flying and outback operations, with the Royal Queensland Aero Club operating examples like VH-AYJ for rugged terrain access and training in the 1950s. In New Zealand, organizations such as the Christchurch Aero Club and Southern Scenic Air Service used the type for scenic tours and general aviation, including flights with registrations like ZK-APO over diverse landscapes. These international fleets, totaling dozens of aircraft across the mentioned nations, reflected the Autocrat's export success, with over 50 units delivered outside the UK by the early 1950s.[5][32][33][34] By the 1960s, active civil fleets of the Autocrat declined sharply due to the introduction of more modern light aircraft like the Cessna 150, leading to widespread retirement; Auster Aircraft's acquisition by Beagle in 1960 further halted production and support, though some incomplete conversions from military surplus saw limited civil uptake without establishing primary operators.[19]Current Preservation Efforts
As of 2025, a number of Auster J/1 Autocrat aircraft remain airworthy, primarily in private hands in the United Kingdom, with additional examples operating in Australia and New Zealand. Notable among these is G-AHAM, a 1946-built aircraft that continues to fly regularly.[35] The first production Autocrat, G-AGTO (c/n 1822), is preserved in airworthy condition and has appeared at events such as the Duxford VE Day Anniversary Air Show in 2015.[36] Another UK example, an unidentified J/1 Autocrat, was documented flying from Fenland Airfield in March 2025, demonstrating continued operational use.[37] Museum displays include G-AGOH (c/n 1811), the post-war prototype, held by the Leicester Museum of Technology as a static exhibit following its final flight in 1995.[38] In Australia, VH-AUO (originally G-AJIM) underwent restoration and made its first public post-restoration appearance at the 2018 Houdini-Centenary Air Show at Melton, remaining airworthy thereafter.[39] Airworthy Autocrats have participated in European airshows, including visits to the Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden, such as G-AIGD (c/n 2186) at the 2021 Flying for Fun evening.[40] Preservation faces challenges including wood rot in the airframe and scarcity of original parts, such as rudder cables and engine baffles, which enthusiasts address through shared resources.[41] The International Auster Club, established in 1973 with over 300 active members, facilitates maintenance support via forums, fly-ins like the 2026 Draycot event, and technical advice for restorations.[42] Recent 2020s projects in Europe include private efforts to restore and document Autocrat histories, as seen in ongoing builds shared by owners in 2024.[43] Digital registries and club publications help track survivors, updating older records with 2025 airshow participations.[44]Specifications
Auster J/1 Autocrat
The Auster J/1 Autocrat, the baseline model of the Autocrat series, is a British single-engine, high-wing touring monoplane designed for civil use with seating for one pilot and two passengers.[45] Its general characteristics include a crew of one, capacity for two passengers, length of 7.14 m, wingspan of 10.97 m, height of 1.98 m, wing area of 17.2 m², empty weight of 478 kg, and maximum takeoff weight of 841 kg.[45][46]| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 |
| Capacity | 2 passengers |
| Length | 7.14 m (23 ft 5 in) |
| Wingspan | 10.97 m (36 ft 0 in) |
| Height | 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) |
| Wing area | 17.2 m² (185 sq ft) |
| Empty weight | 478 kg (1,054 lb) |
| Max takeoff weight | 841 kg (1,854 lb) |
Auster J/1N Alpha
The Auster J/1N Alpha is a powered variant of the baseline J/1 Autocrat, featuring an upgraded engine and modified empennage for enhanced performance and handling characteristics. Developed in the late 1940s as a new-build variant, with conversions available later, it addressed limitations in power and stability of the original model while maintaining the core three-seat touring configuration.[2][4]General Characteristics
The J/1N Alpha retains similar overall dimensions to the J/1 Autocrat, including a wingspan of 10.97 m, length of 7.22 m, height of 1.98 m, and wing area of 17.19 m², but incorporates enlarged tail surfaces for better directional stability under higher power outputs.[47][2] These modifications increase the vertical tail area compared to the baseline, though exact increments vary by conversion; the design draws from the larger empennage of related models like the J/1B Aiglet. The variant's empty weight is 522 kg (1,150 lb), with a maximum takeoff weight of 839 kg (1,850 lb), allowing for a useful load that supports three occupants and standard fuel.[2][47]Powerplant
The J/1N Alpha is equipped with a single de Havilland Gipsy Major I inline-four piston engine rated at 130 hp (97 kW) at 2,350 rpm, replacing the baseline's lower-powered Blackburn Cirrus Minor II.[2][47] This upgrade is paired with an improved fixed-pitch propeller, typically a Fairey or Watts type, optimized to absorb the additional power and torque for better efficiency and takeoff performance.[47]Performance
With the enhanced powerplant, the J/1N Alpha achieves a maximum speed of 203 km/h (126 mph) at sea level and a cruising speed of 169 km/h (105 mph) at 75% power.[47] Its range is 354 km (220 mi) on standard fuel capacity, with a service ceiling of 4,600 m (15,100 ft) and an initial rate of climb of 244 m/min (800 ft/min).[47] These figures represent improvements over the J/1 baseline, particularly in speed and climb, while prioritizing economical operation for touring roles.[47][48]Modifications
To accommodate the Gipsy Major's higher torque, the J/1N Alpha includes structural reinforcements in the fuselage and wing roots, ensuring airframe integrity during full-power operations.[4] Avionics options were updated to 1950s standards, often featuring basic navigation aids like a direction finder and improved instrumentation for VFR touring, though specifics depended on owner conversions.[5]| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Empty Weight | 522 kg (1,150 lb) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 839 kg (1,850 lb) |
| Max Speed | 203 km/h (126 mph) |
| Cruise Speed | 169 km/h (105 mph) |
| Range | 354 km (220 mi) |
| Service Ceiling | 4,600 m (15,100 ft) |
| Rate of Climb | 244 m/min (800 ft/min) |