Another view of the Rearsby-based Fieseler Storch, taken on September 1, 1949.
During the latter half of 1945 this Fieseler Fi 156 Storch was based at Rearsby and evaluated by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd. It is seen here taking off from Rearsby on September 1, 1945. It is possible that this is the Storch currently held by the RAF Museum.
VL522 at the 1948 SBAC Show at Farnborough in September with the Auster Avis in the background.
The Auster N, VL522, built for evaluation to the Air Ministry Specification A.2/45.
Carrying 'P-for-prototype' markings and camouflage, the second Auster A2/45 VL523 in its final guise.
The same aircraft repainted in Army camouflage at Middle Wallop in the early Fifties.
The second Auster A2/45, photographed on August 17, 1949. This aircraft was powered by a 240 h.p. D. H. Gipsy Queen 34 six-cylinder in-line inverted air-cooled engine which could be quickly detached complete with oil tank, filters etc. The observer faced aft and entered the aircraft by raising the blister over the rear cockpit and mounting from the starboard side.
Unmarked other than its serial, the first Auster A2/45, VL522, photographed at Rearsby on April 15, 1948. The aircraft made its first flight on April 27.
The same aircraft after the addition of RAF roundels and rudder stripes. Though smaller than the Storch the similarity is evident.
AUSTER A2/45. This cutaway was the work of the late John Palmer, who was an artist with Flight for many years. It was never published in that magazine, and was rediscovered when the accompanying article was in preparation. We now publish it for the first time, 35 years after it was drawn.
