Auster AOP.9

Auster Aircraft Limited · United Kingdom · first flew 1954 · light aircraft

The Auster AOP.9 was the last and most refined of the Auster Air Observation Post series, developed for the British Army to direct artillery fire and conduct battlefield reconnaissance. It first flew around 1954.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• British Army Air Observation Post light aircraft
• High-wing monoplane with extensive glazing for observation
• Final and most capable Auster AOP variant

High-wing strut-braced monoplane with large glazed cabin giving excellent all-round visibility; fixed spatted undercarriage and a single piston engine at the nose — typical Auster proportions but slightly larger than earlier marks.

Specifications

• The Auster AOP.9 has a length of 7.21 m (24 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 11.1 m (36 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 204 km/h (127 mph).
• Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Auster Aircraft Limited developed the AOP.9 as an improved successor to the AOP.6, featuring a more powerful Cirrus Bombardier engine and refined aerodynamics. It entered British Army Air Corps service and saw operational use in conflicts including the Radfan campaign in Aden. Production totalled 145 aircraft.

Variants

The AOP.9 is a single variant designation; earlier marks include the AOP.6 and AOP.5, all serving the same observation role.

Where you'll see it

Served with the British Army Air Corps from the mid-1950s until replaced by the Scout and Sioux helicopters in the 1960s. It flew in Malaya, Cyprus, Aden, and other British commitments.

Related aircraft

• Auster (AOP series)
• Ambrosini F.7 Rondone
• Dornier Do 25
• Morane-Saulnier MS 760 Paris
• Morane-Saulnier MS.760A Paris I

AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.