Auster AOP.6

Auster (Taylorcraft) A.O.P. 6

Single engine two seat light communications- and observation aircraft

In 1947 the first of 22 Austers ordered to equip an observation squadron, 369 Squadron at Brasschaat, were delivered. As this base was still under construction the aircraft were at first stored at Wevelgem and a some were used for training at Schaffen (Diest). In 1952 the first Piper Super Cubs were delivered that replaced the Austers. However it took until 1955 before the unit (redesignated 15 Squadron Light Aviation) would stop operating the Austers. A few aircraft remained active with N° 42 Squadron at Wahn (Germany) until 1956-1957 and one single aircraft with 1 Wing at Beauvechain until 1958.

Picture	Serial	c/n	Date In	Date Out	History
	A-2	2823	Aug 1947	Dec 1958	VT984 (RAF), A-2, equipped with oblique cameras, equipped to tow gliders, South-Pole Expedition, 05 Dec 1958 Crashed at Mount Begica (Antarctica)
	A-3	2818	Aug 1947	Dec 1957	VT979 (RAF), A-3, Equipped with oblique cameras, OO-FDA, To Royal Army Museum (stored Vissenaken)
	A-5	2815	Aug 1947	Jan 1953	VT976 (RAF), A-5, Fatal crash at Haccourt (Oupeye) on 13 Jan 1953
	A-15	2834	Nov 1947	Dec 1957	VT995 (RAF), equipped to tow gliders, OO-FDH, To Royal Army Museum, Gate Guardian at Brasschaat as "A-16", restored with parts of A-22, Gate Guardian at Bierset North.
	A-16	2835	Nov 1947	Dec 1957	VT996 (RAF), A-16, equipped to tow gliders, OO-FDI, Royal Army Museum as A-16, exchanged with museum at Kbely (Czech Republic)