Auster T7 Antarctic
Serial Number:
WE600
Period:
Post-WWII
Collection Ref: 1989/0305/A
Location: RAF Museum Cosford, Transport & Training
The Auster T7 is a two-seat, dual-control aircraft designed
for training of aircrew for the AOP6 artillery spotting and light communications
aircraft, from which the T7 was developed.
In the training role the T7 replaced the Auster MkV, preparing crews for
air observation post operations and as such was equipped to simulate night
and instrument flying conditions. Many were transferred to the Army Air
Corps during 1957/58 as the Army took overall responsibility for its aviation
requirements.
The T7 prototype (a converted AOP6) first flew in 1947, production beginning
in 1949. Seventy-seven T7s were built, while an additional ten AOP6 aircraft
were later converted to T7 standard as the T10.
In 1955 Auster Aircraft Limited modified two T7s (WE563 and WE600) for
the 1956 Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition led by Dr Vivian Fuchs.
Known as the Auster Antarctic, changes to the aircraft included extra
radio equipment, larger tail surfaces, the ability to be fitted with floats
or skis as required and a bright orange finish to aid visibility.
