Auster Workmaster
| J/1U Workmaster | |
|---|---|
 | |
| J/1U Workmaster at Shobdon airfield, Herefordshire, in April 1987 | |
| Role | Agricultural aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Auster Aircraft Limited |
| First flight | 1958 |
| Introduction | 1958 |
| Primary user | Crop Culture (Overseas) Limited |
| Number built | 10 |
| Developed from | Auster Autocrat |
The Auster J/1U Workmaster is a late 1950s British single-engined single-seat high-wing agriculutural monoplane built by Auster Aircraft Limited at Rearsby, Leicestershire. Of traditional high-wing layout, it carries 90 gallons of spray fluid in a tank beside the pilot, an extra seat being provided for a passenger. The Lycoming 0-360-A engine of 180 h.p. driving a McCauley v.p. propeller giving it ample power; and slotted ailerons and balanced tail controls providing good handling. Oversize tyres were fitted. Take-off run at 2,550 lb gross weight and cruising speed at 65 per cent power are respectively 180 yd and 88 miles per hour (142 km/h). Britten-Norman spray gear was provided by Crop Culture, and this company ordered nine Workmasters.
History
Following the experience of developing the J/1B Aiglet agricultural aircraft, Auster developed a more powerful successor the J/1U Workmaster. Using the basic Autocrat fuselage it was strengthened and had dorsal fin fillets added, low pressure tyres and a 180 hp (134 kW) Avco Lycoming engine.
The aircraft were fitted with Britten-Norman rotary atomizers for crop spraying and a 100 imperial gallon (455 litre) chemical tank in the fuselage. An emergency dump valve allowed the tank to be emptied in 5 seconds. The Workmasters were mainly operated in West Africa, three later returning and are currently (2009) on the U.K. civil aircraft register.
Specifications (J/1U)
General characteristics
- Crew: 3
- Length: 23 ft 7 in (7.19 m)
- Wingspan: 36 ft 0 in (10.97 m)
- Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
- Wing area: 185 ft² (17.19 m2)
- Empty weight: 1,800 lb (816 kg)
- Max. takeoff weight: 2,650 lb (1202 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-360 horizontally opposed piston, 180 hp (134 kw)
- Propellers: McCauley v.p. propeller
Performance
- Maximum speed: 104 mph (167 km/h)
- Range: 225 miles (362 km)
- Service ceiling: 13,700 ft (4176 m)
References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Auster Workmaster. |
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing.
- Jackson, A.J. (1974). British Civil Aircraft since 1919 Volume 1. London: Putnam. ISBN 0-370-10006-9.