Gloster AS.31 Survey

National origin: United Kingdom
Manufacturer: Gloster Aircraft Company
First flight: 1929
Primary users: Aircraft Operating Company Limited South African Air Force
Number built: 2
Developed from: de Havilland DH.67

The Gloster A.S.31 Survey was a 1920s British photo-survey biplane developed by the Gloster Aircraft Company from the de Havilland DH.67.

Design and development

In 1926, the Aircraft Operating Company, who were official contractors to the British Ordnance Survey for aerial survey work overseas, required a replacement for the converted Airco DH.9s that formed the majority of its fleet. It therefore approached the De Havilland Aircraft Company, who prepared a design for a twin engined biplane of metal construction, resembling a smaller version of the de Havilland Hercules to meet the specification, designated de Havilland DH.67. de Havilland was busy with production of the Hercules and Moth, however, and transferred the project over to Glosters in November 1928. Glosters redesigned the aircraft, with all dimensions changed and using Gloster's own constructional methods, redesignating the aircraft Gloster AS.31 Survey.

The Survey was a twin-engined biplane with a conventional landing gear and an open cockpit for two pilots and while a camera operator and survey camera could be accommodated in the enclosed cabin. It was powered by two 525 hp (392 kW) Bristol Jupiter XI engines, mounted on top of each lower wing.

Two prototype Surveys were built, with the first, registered G-AADO, flying in June 1929. It was operated by the Aircraft Operating Company on a survey of Northern Rhodesia leaving England on 20 March 1930 and reaching Cape Town on 11 April. It successfully surveyed 63,000 square miles (160,000 km) in the next year, not requiring replacement of any major components in 500 flying hours. In March 1933 it was sold to the South African Air Force who operated it until it was broken up at Waterkloof in December 1942.

The second prototype was sold to the British Air Ministry, being delivered to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough in November 1931, where it was used for radio experiments. It remained in use until 1936. Although Gloster did try to sell a bomber reconnaissance version to Egypt, no further production occurred.

Operators

South Africa

South African Air Force

United Kingdom

Aircraft Operating Company
Royal Aircraft Establishment

Specifications

Data from Gloster Aircraft since 1917

General characteristics

Crew: 3 (two pilots, one camera operator)
Length: 48 ft 6 in (14.79 m)
Wingspan: 61 ft 0 in (18.60 m)
Height: 18 ft 9 in (5.72 m)
Wing area: 1,025 ft² (95.3 m²)
Empty weight: 5,614 lb (2,552 kg)
Gross weight: 8,570 lb (3895 kg)
Powerplant: 2 x— Bristol Jupiter XI, 525 hp (392 kW) each

Performance

Maximum speed: 131 mph (211 km/h)
Cruise speed: 110 mph (177 km/h)
Range: 495 miles (797 km)
Endurance: 4.5 hours
Service ceiling: 21,900 ft (6,680 m)

Jackson, A.J. (1974). British Civil Aircraft since 1919 Volume 2. London: Putnam. ISBN 0 370 10010 7.
Jackson, A.J. (1987). De Havilland Aircraft since 1909. London: Putnam. ISBN 0 85177 802 X.
James, Derek N. (1971). Gloster Aircraft since 1917. London: Putnam. ISBN 0 370 00084 6.

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Source: WikiPedia