Gloster AS.31 Survey

Gloster Aircraft Company · United Kingdom · first flew 1929 · light aircraft

The Gloster AS.31 Survey was a British twin-engine biplane designed specifically for aerial survey and mapping work, entering service in 1929. It was one of the few aircraft of its era purpose-built for the aerial survey role.

Recognition (WEFT)

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

Spot it by:

• British twin-engine biplane survey aircraft of the late 1920s
• Designed for aerial photography and mapping work
• Large camera installation in lower fuselage

A large twin-engine equal-span biplane with a purpose-built camera installation in the lower fuselage, distinguishable by its utilitarian layout and generous fuel capacity.

Specifications

• The Gloster AS.31 Survey has a length of 14.79 m (49 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 18.6 m (61 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 211 km/h (131 mph).
• Typical crew: 3-4.

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

History

The AS.31 was designed to carry aerial cameras and survey equipment over long distances, a role that required good fuel economy and a stable flying platform. It operated with survey companies and government mapping organisations in Britain and overseas. The type was part of the widespread use of aircraft for colonial and geographic survey work between the wars.

Variants

A small number were built for different customers; no significantly different named variants are recorded.

Where you'll see it

Used by British aerial survey firms and government agencies in the late 1920s and 1930s for photographic mapping work.

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