Air Enthusiast 1996-09 / D.Ford - Oxford Graduate

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIKR   [3], PK286   [3]

Last Consul to fly (certainly in the UK) was the Rapid Flying Group’s G-AIKR, which was based at Baginton. Built by Airspeed as Oxford I PK286 in 1945, it saw no service and was sold to the makers in September 1946, emerging as a Consul for Chartair that December. The Rapid group retired G-AIKR in May 1965 and it went to the RAF Museum and then to the Canadian National Aviation Museum at Rockcliffe.

Air International 1989-05 / Talkback

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: VR-SCD   [7], G-AJLR   [7], R6029   [7]

This beautifully preserved Airspeed Consul recalls the use of this type by Singapore Airlines in its formative post-war years. The photograph comes from Y C Loh.

Air Enthusiast 1996-09 / D.Ford - Oxford Graduate

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: VR-SCD   [7], G-AJLR   [7], R6029   [7]

Malayan Airways started operations with Consuls in May 1947. To mark its 30th anniversary Singapore Airlines (as it had become) restored former RAF Museum Consul G-AJLR to pristine condition as ‘VR-SCD’ - it is preserved at SAL’s maintenance base.

Jane's All the World Aircraft 1947 / All the world's aeroplanes

The Airspeed A.S.65 Consul Light Transport Monoplane (Two 395 h.p. Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah X engines).

Мировая Авиация 21

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AGVY   [2]

Самолет Consul представлял собой не более чем гражданскую модификацию учебно-тренировочного самолета Oxford.

Air Enthusiast 1996-09 / D.Ford - Oxford Graduate

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AGVY   [2]

The Consul prototype was G-AGVY, built originally by de Havilland as Oxford IV 3679. As a Consul, it was sold to the Bata Shoe company in March 1946 and crashed in the Lebanon in February 1949.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-02

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AHEF

G-AHEF which was used as a company hack by De Havillands.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-02

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AHEG   [3], T1206   [3]

The second Consul G-AHEG ex T1206 which was the first to have the slightly lengthened nose with hinged portion for a luggage compartment. Originally for Airwork it is seen here at Sandown IOW in the late fifties when owned by Platts (Barton) Ltd.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-02

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AHEG   [3], T1206   [3]

G-AHEG at Staverton in 1960 when owned by Meridian Air Maps Ltd, showing the camera windows which had been added.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-02

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AHEG   [3], T1206   [3]

Finally withdrawn from use at Shoreham in May 1961, G-AHEG is shown there on 26.8.61.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-02

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AHZW

Lancashire Aircraft Corporation's G-AHZW seen at Yeadon in the early fifties and clearly fitted with a large non-standard freight door.

Air-Britain Archive 1988-02

The large freight door has been seen on several aircraft and is shown in the company photo with a folding seat making this a Consul convertible. The ambulance versions used the same type of door.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-02

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIAH   [2], PK252   [2]

Built by Airspeed at Portsmouth as Oxford PK252 and in 1946 converted to a Consul for Morton Air Service, G-AIAH was photographed about 1957-8 at Croydon.

Air-Britain Archive 1984-04

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIAH   [2], PK252   [2]

Consul G-AIAH in Morton Air Services titles, probably between 1957 and 1959 but at an unknown location. It was wfu at Portsmouth after C of A expiry on 24.2.59 and burnt in 1961.

Aeroplane Monthly 1983-02 / Personal album

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIBC

Airspeed Consul G-AIBC of Westminster Airways Ltd at Croydon on March 15, 1947. This aircraft was scrapped at Southend in 1952.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-02

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIIN

G-AIIN in the late forties before sale to Africa.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-02

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIKR   [3], PK286   [3]

G-AIKR in Airwork titles, date and location unknown, though the Viking G-AKTU behind was also operated by Airwork in the fifties.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Vickers Viking / Valetta - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945

Aeroplane Monthly 1999-05 / N.Lees - Travelling in style /Post-war civil/

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIKR   [3], PK286   [3]

An Airwork line-up at Blackbushe with G-AIKR, one of the company’s Consuls used for training, sandwiched between two Vikings. The Consul is preserved at Canada’s National Aviation Museum at Rockcliffe, Ontario, while Viking G-AJFT, acquired in October 1947, was sold in March 1960 and eventually scrapped in September 1963.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Vickers Viking / Valetta - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945

Aviation Historian 22 / N.Stroud - Off to Butlin's /The John Stroud Archive/

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIKU   [2]

In the immediate post-war period, Billy Butlin acquired his own fleet of corporate aircraft, which in 1950 comprised Fairchild Arguses G-AJGW, G-AJNN, G-AJPE and G-AJVI, Percival Proctor G-AGTE, Miles Martlet G-AAYX and Airspeed Consul G-AIKU, as seen here with the company’s logo, “Butlin’s Camps”, on its rudder.

Aviation Historian 38 / G.Peerless - Hi-de-Hi Flyers!

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIKU   [2]

Butlin acquired Airspeed Consul G-AIKU (c/n 4348) in September 1946.

Aeroplane Monthly 1996-12 / N.Lees - You can't keep a good man down

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIKZ

Sivewright Airways C-47B Dakota G-AGNK ‘Lancastria’ was operated by the Manchester-based airline from July 1949 until March 1951. It went on to serve with BEA until withdrawn from use in 1964.
Visiting Sivewright Airways Dakota Lancastria and Air Malta Airspeed Consul G-AIKZ at Luqa, Malta.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Douglas DC-3 / C-47 Skytrain/С-53 Skytrooper / Dakota - СШАUSA - 1935

Air-Britain Archive 1987-02

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIOT

G-AIOT was one of seven operated by Air Enterprises Ltd and was withdrawn from use at Thruxton in 1955.

Aeroplane Monthly 1989-09 / B.Boddy - Days at the races

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIOV, I-VALZ

Airspeed Consul G-AIOV in the livery of Patrick Duval Aviation. In 1948 ’OV was sold to Air Enterprises and in May 1956 it was sold in Italy and became I-VALZ. It is pictured here at Croydon.

Aeroplane Monthly 1989-09 / B.Boddy - Days at the races

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIOL, G-AIOW, G-AIOY   [2], PK282   [2], SE-BTD   [2]

Charter aircraft lined up at Croydon Aerodrome in the winter of 1947-48. They are, from left to right, Consul G-AIOL, Proctor 5 G-AKDZ and Consuls G-AIOW and G-AIOY.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Percival Proctor / P.28 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1939

Air-Britain Archive 1988-02

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIOX   [2], EB748   [2], TJ-ABD   [2]

This issue brings our "Civvie Street" feature on the Airspeed Oxford and Consul to a close, so we take the opportunity to show this portrait of Consul G-AIOX probably over part of the Hampshire coastline.

Air Enthusiast 1996-09 / D.Ford - Oxford Graduate

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIOX   [2], EB748   [2], TJ-ABD   [2]

The longer nose made the Consul a smoother-looking evolution of the already handsome Oxford. Airspeed-built Oxford I EB748 became Consul G-AIOX for Transcontinental Air Services of Gatwick in February 1947. It was sold in Transjordan as TJ-ABD in 1950.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-02

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIRP

G-AIRP picketted out at Croydon in 1949.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-04

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIUH   [2], VP-KOX   [2]

After civilianisation by Reid & Sigrist Ltd, G-AIUH was used for several years by Hunting Aerosurveys. It ended its days with the company's East African subsidiary as VP-KOX. Note the variation in cabin glazing between this conversion and G-AHDZ.

Air Enthusiast 1996-09 / D.Ford - Oxford Graduate

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIUH   [2], VP-KOX   [2]

Oxford I G-AIUH served the Reid & Sigrist company at Desford from early 1949. It was later acquired by Hunting Aerosurveys and gained a Consul nose (illustrated). It was sold in Kenya as VP-KOX in 1959.

Air-Britain Archive 1986-01

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIUS   [2]

Consul G-AIUS, date and location unknown (as is photographer) but in view of Air Kruise ownership it could be somewhere in the SE ?

Air-Britain Archive 1987-02

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIUS   [2]

G-AIUS seen at Eastleigh prior to repainting for the Hampshire Aero Club in August 1958.

Air Enthusiast 1996-09 / D.Ford - Oxford Graduate

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIUX   [2], LB527   [2]

Consul G-AIUX ‘Star Master’ was used by British South American Airways and later by BOAC for training - note the comprehensive array of aerials and the faired D/F loop. Built by Airspeed as Oxford I LB527 it saw no service use, becoming a Consul in late 1948.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-03

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIUX   [2], LB527   [2]

G-AIUX also served with the BOAC Training Unit, and seems to have worn a more recognisably corporate colour scheme.

Aeroplane Monthly 1989-09 / B.Boddy - Days at the races

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AIVA, EC-AHU

Transair's Croydon-based Airspeed Consul G-AIVA. In February 1953 the aircraft was sold to the Real Aero Club de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas as EC-AHU. The author is seen here standing at far right.

Air Enthusiast 1996-09 / D.Ford - Oxford Graduate

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AJLR   [7], R6029   [7], VR-SCD   [7]

Built at Portsmouth in 1940 and demobbed in February 1947, Oxford I R6029 became Consul G-AJLR in June 1947 serving in turn with Olley Air Services from Croydon; Cambrian Air Services, Cardiff and Morton Air Services of Gatwick. In 1956 it was acquired by All Power Transformers (illustrated) and operated out of Fairoaks until being withdrawn in 1963 and moving on to the RAF Museum. It went to Singapore in 1986.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-02

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AJLR   [7], R6029   [7], VR-SCD   [7]

G-AJLR was active with All-Power Transformers Ltd when seen at Turnhouse in August 1959.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-02

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AJLR   [7], R6029   [7], VR-SCD   [7]

The same aircraft was wfu at Fairoaks 8.63 and was semi-derelict by 7.9.66. Despite this it went to RAF Museum storage at Henlow before being purchased by Singapore Airlines for static display at Changi.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-03

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AJNE

G-AITB of Air Service Training Ltd at Scone on 22.7.62, some time after having been withdrawn from use following C of A expiry on 24.5.61. The ex-Airwork G-AJNE lies behind, by coincidence its C of A had expired one day earlier than that of G-AITB.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Airspeed Oxford / AS.10 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1937

Jane's All the World Aircraft 1980 / Encyclopedia of Aviation - Aircraft A-Z - v1

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AJWR   [2], HN829   [2]

Airspeed AS.65 Consul.

Air Enthusiast 1996-09 / D.Ford - Oxford Graduate

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AJWR   [2], HN829   [2]

G-AJWR, originally Airspeed-built Oxford I HN829, served as the prototype (and only?) ambulance version in October 1947. Here it demonstrates the standard Consul swing-nose baggage bay.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-03

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AJXE

G-AJXE was civilianised for the MCA Flying Unit at Gatwick. It was dbr at Elstree in 11.59.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-03

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AJXG

G-AJXG in miniscule BKS titles and logo in front of two derelict Air Charter Tudors - at Stansted?
The photo of G-AJXG was taken at Southend in front of the ATEL hangar and Tudors G-AIYA and G-AJKC. It wore BKS Aerocharter Ltd titles.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Avro Tudor / Type 688/689 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1946

Air-Britain Archive 1987-03

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AJXH

G-AJXH also began civil life with the MCAFU and is shown at Blackbushe in 1956 shortly before sale to Spain.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-03

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ALTZ

G-ALTZ of the BOAC Training Unit at London Airport in 1950. It was written off at Leopoldville on 4.6.57.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-03

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ATNE

G-ATNE in the colours of Airwork Services at Turnhouse in September 1959.

Air-Britain Archive 1988-02

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: AP-AGK, EI-ADC, HM980

Percival-built HM980 was converted as EI-ADC and then went to Pakistan as AP-AGK. It is shown as such at Karachi 9.58 and the following year was sold to Switzerland.

Aeroplane Monthly 1999-06 / J.Stroud - A million miles flown /A lifetime of flying/

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: EC-ACZ   [2]

EC-ACZ was one of the Airspeed A.S.65 Consuls supplied to the Spanish airline Iberia early in 1948. It is seen later that year at a rally at Gatwick Airport. The building is the original terminal which was opened on June 6, 1936. It had six telescopic passenger jetties, was originally known as the Martello Tower and later as the Beehive.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-03

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: EC-ACZ   [2]

Iberia's EC-ACZ, untitled.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-02

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: EC-AJV, G-AIKO

EC-AJV ex G-AIKO at Portsmouth in 1957, apparently with a survey nose.

Air-Britain Archive 1987-03

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-OAFD, AT760, G-AJWO

F-OAFD the former G-AJWO and AT760 is shown at Toussus and appeared a little earlier in the list towards the end of the previous episode.

Air-Britain Archive 1988-02

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: SE-BTD   [2], G-AIOY   [2], PK282   [2]

Portsmouth-built example, Aero Propaganda's SE-BTD ex G-AIOY, PK282

Air-Britain Archive 1987-03

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: TJ-AAY, G-AJLK, TJ-ABF

Twice registered in Trans-Jordan, G-AJLK had become TJ-ABF in 1950 (with Air Jordan?) and returned as TJ-AAY in 1951 (presumably with Arab Airways Assn?) Both operators used separate blocks within the register.

Air-Britain Archive 1988-02

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: TJ-ABG, G-AJGG, HN733

Portsmouth-built examples, Air Jordan's TJ-ABG formerly G-AJGG, HN733.

Aeroplane Monthly 1987-07 / M.Oakey - Grapevine

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: VR-SCD   [7], G-AJLR   [7], R6029   [7]

Singapore Airlines’ Airspeed Consul, ex G-AJLR, was restored to static condition in time for the airline’s 40th anniversary on May 1, 1987. It is painted in the colours of Malayan Airways, SA’s predecessor, which used the type on its first operations in 1947.

Air Enthusiast 1996-09 / D.Ford - Oxford Graduate

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: VR-TAU, EB974, G-AJWY

With Oxfords awaiting conversion in the background, Consul VR-TAU on the compass circle at Portsmouth prior to delivery to United Air Services of Tanganyika in mid-1948. Built as Mk I Oxford EB974 at Portsmouth in 1942, it served only with 116 Squadron in the anti-aircraft gun calibration role. It was registered as G-AJWY for the Consul conversion.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Airspeed Oxford / AS.10 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1937

Air Enthusiast 1996-09 / D.Ford - Oxford Graduate

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: XY-ABJ, EB718, G-AJND

Liverpool-based Steiner’s Air Service operated a fleet of seven Consuls. G-AJND, formerly Airspeed-built Oxford I EB718 was converted to Consul status at Portsmouth (where it is illustrated) and was delivered direct to the Burma Corporation as XY-ABJ without entering service with Steiner’s.

Air Enthusiast 1996-09 / D.Ford - Oxford Graduate

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-22-14, G-22-7

Two Consuls in the Airspeed compound at Portsmouth showing the rare use of the company’s ‘B Condition’ (or ‘trade plate’) markings G-22-. Their previous identities and destination(s) are not known.

Air-Britain Aeromilitaria 1979-04

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: UB339   [3]

The Airspeed Oxford was a military aircraft while the Consul was its civil equivalent. In the normal way of things, military aircraft sometimes become civil aircraft without much more conversion that that afforded by a can of paint. However, some Consuls rebuilt as civil transports were converted back to military versions with a heftier punch than any Oxford built for military purposes.
The customer was the newly-independent Government of Burma which required a simple anti-insurgent aircraft of the type built before the war by France and Italy as 'colonial' aircraft and some years after the war by the United States as 'counter-insurgency' aircraft. The Consul can thus be counted as one of the first COIN aircraft to be delivered.
Two fixed Browning 0.303in machine guns were fitted in streamlined pods under the fuselage and attachment points provided under the wings for eight 25-lb rocket projectiles. A dorsal gun turret was specified, presumably a standard Oxford gunnery training turret, but it is not clear whether this was fitted on delivery.
Some civil Consuls were being operated in Burma so commonality probably played its part. UB-339 seems to have been the first and was tested at A&AEE to clear the armament installation but the Putnam book on Airspeed does not specify how many were bought.

Air-Britain Aeromilitaria 1987-03

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: UB339   [3]

The Airspeed Consul tends to be thought of as a pacific creature but the Burmese had other ideas. These photographs show the Mk.8 rocket installation on one of their aircraft.
The Consul is Burmese Air Force UB-339.

Air-Britain Aeromilitaria 1987-03

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: UB339   [3]

Four of the 25-lb RPs being test-fired.

Air Enthusiast 2003-09 / S.Aloni - Golden heritage

The first Bedek hangar under construction in 1954 - though a Beech Bonanza, an Airspeed Consul and a Boeing PT-17, as well as a Spitfire, can be seen inside the yet-to-be completed structure.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Beechcraft Model 33/35 Bonanza - СШАUSA - 1945Stearman PT-13 / PT-17 Kaydet / Model 73 (Boeing-Stearman) - СШАUSA - 1934Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX / XVI - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

Aeroplane Monthly 1987-05 / M.Oakey - Grapevine

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AJLR   [7], R6029   [7], VR-SCD   [7]

Singapore Airlines is wasting no time in restoring its ex-RAF Museum Airspeed Consul G-AJLR to static condition. It was photographed at Changi on February 11, 1987, when the wing was rejoined to the fuselage. By the end of March the airframe was assembled and 80 per cent complete, with just the engine installation, cockpit refurbishment and painting still to do. The Consul should be finished in time for the airline’s 40th anniversary in May.

Jane's All the World Aircraft 1947 / All the world's aeroplanes

The Airspeed A.S.65 Consul.