The Austin Kestrel was a British two-seat biplane designed and built by the Austin Motor Company. Only one aircraft was built.

Kestrel
Role Two-seat biplane
National origin United Kingdom
Manufacturer Austin Motor Company
Designer John Kenworthy
First flight 1920
Number built 1

Design and development

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Designed to enter a 1920 Air Ministry competition the Kestrel was a conventional biplane with an open cockpit with side-by-side seats for two.[1] Registered G-EATR the Kestrel came third in the small aeroplane class.[1] The company decided to concentrate on motor car production and the aircraft was sold in 1924 but not flown again.[1]

Specifications

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Data from [1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 25 ft 6 in (7.77 m)
  • Wingspan: 38 ft 6 in (11.74 m)
  • Wing area: 417 sq ft (38.8 m2) [2]
  • Empty weight: 1,966 lb (892 kg)
  • Gross weight: 2,740 lb (1,243 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Beardmore 160 hp , 160 hp (119 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 110 mph (176 km/h, 96 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 83 mph (133 km/h, 72 kn)
  • Endurance: 4.5 hours[3]

References

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d Jackson 1973, p. 289.
  2. ^ Flight 5 August 1920, p.855.
  3. ^ Flight 5 August 1920, p.856.

Bibliography

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  • "The Air Ministry Competition at Martlesham". Flight. No. 5 August 1920. 5 August 1920. pp. 855–861.
  • Jackson, A.J. (1973). British Civil Aircraft since 1919 Volume 1. London: Putnam. ISBN 0-370-10006-9.
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