Luton Buzzard

The Luton Buzzard was a 1930s British single-seat, open cockpit ultralight aircraft built by Luton Aircraft Limited.

Buzzard
Luton Buzzard (G-ADYX), Barton-in-the-Clay, August 1936
Role Ultralight
Manufacturer Luton Aircraft Limited
Designer C.H. Latimer-Needham
First flight 1936
Number built 1
Unit cost
325 GBP (Buzzard I)[1]

History

The Buzzard was a single-seat ultralight of wooden construction, fitted with split flaps and an all-flying tailplane, and powered by a 35 hp Anzani inverted Vee air-cooled engine. The Buzzard was designed by C.H. Latimer-Needham, and built by Luton Aircraft at Barton-in-the-Clay, Bedfordshire in 1936. The only Buzzard, registered G-ADYX and designated the Buzzard I first flew in 1936. On 16 November 1936, it was damaged during landing at Christchurch, Hampshire.[2]

In 1937, it was rebuilt as the Buzzard II with short-span wings, enclosed cockpit and an orthodox tailplane. On 8 May 1938, it was damaged beyond repair while being demonstrated at a Royal Aeronautical Society 'garden party' at Great West Aerodrome. In 1943, the aircraft remains were destroyed when the company's Phoenix Works at Gerrards Cross burnt down.[2]

Variants
Buzzard I
Prototype open cockpit ultralight, one built.
Buzzard II
Buzzard I rebuilt with enclosed cockpit and other modifications.

Specifications (Buzzard II)

Data from British Civil Aircraft since 1919 Volume 3[2], Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938[3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 21 ft 6 in (6.55 m)
  • Wingspan: 35 ft 6 in (10.82 m)
  • Width: 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m) wings detached
  • Height: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
  • Empty weight: 400 lb (181 kg)
  • Gross weight: 620 lb (281 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 5 imp gal (6 US gal; 23 l) fuel tank behind the cockpit
  • Powerplant: 1 × British Anzani 35hp V-2 inverted air-cooled piston engine, 35 hp (26 kW)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed fixed-pitch pusher propeller

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 95 mph (153 km/h, 83 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 81 mph (130 km/h, 70 kn)
  • Stall speed: 30 mph (48 km/h, 26 kn)
  • Range: 180 mi (290 km, 160 nmi)
  • Endurance: 4 hours
  • Rate of climb: 400 ft/min (2.0 m/s)
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References
  1. Taylor, H.A. (13 August 1936). "A BUZZARD in its ELEMENT : Flying the Latest Ultra-Lightweight : Sailplane Characteristics of the Luton Buzzard : The Pleasant Pusher". Flight : The Aircraft Engineer and Airships. Vol.XXX (No. 1442): p.p. 190-191.
  2. Jackson, A.J. (1974). British Civil Aircraft since 1919 Volume 3. London: Putnam. p. 261. ISBN 0-370-10014-X.
  3. Grey, C.G.; Bridgman, Leonard, eds. (1938). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938. London: Sampson Low, Marston & company, ltd. p. 53c.
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