Luton Buzzard

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.[1]

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.[1]

Buzzard I

Prototype open cockpit ultralight, one built.

Buzzard II

Buzzard I rebuilt with enclosed cockpit and other modifications.

Data from British Civil Aircraft since 1919 Volume 3,[1] Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938[2]

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)