by Steve Mackenzie

Auster VX127 with the British. VX126 was identical apart from the serial.

Historical Notes

The Auster AOP.6, also known as the Model K, followed other Auster variants in RAAF service. This model was the first postwar AOP Auster. In 1953, ANARE purchased two Auster AOP.6s which seen Antarctic service with the British Antarctic Expedition of 1949-52. The two aircraft, VX126 and VX127, both had interchangeable undercarriages with skis and floats. The British had operated these two airframes in Yellow (RAF Golden Yellow). They were refurbished by 2AD in mid-1953 in overall International Orange (FS12197 / BS381C-592), floats and wheels (not used much on wheels) were Orange but skis were Natural metal. They were transferred to Point Cook for the RAAF Antarctic Flight in OCT 1953 with serials A11-200 and A11-201.

A11-200

On 05 Feb 1954, A11-200 was flown for the first time from the Kista Dan across to the Horse Shoe Bay at Mawson base. ANARE image Ref 3807-A4.

Penquin motif (on skis with ski poles) on both sides of the forward fuselage.

The Austers A11-200 and A11-201 were sent to Antarctica on MV 'Kista Dan' on 04 Jan 1954, and wore the standard roundels of the time, 'D type' in six positions (fuselage 18' diameter, wings 36') plus 18x15" fin flashes. Both airframes were quickly marked with a Penquin motif (on skis with ski poles) on both sides of the forward fuselage. While sheltering at Mawson in the hold of 'Kista Dan', both aircraft were severely damaged by a storm on 12 Feb 1954. Mainplanes and control surfaces were damaged on both airframes, A11-200 was rebuilt with components (especially the Starboard wing) from A11-201 but without the flaps being operative.

These three images show A11-200 after it's rebuild in 1954. The 3rd is SLNSW image FL1044162.

While 'Kista Dan' was on it's return voyage to Australia, on the night of 5 Mar 1954 A11-200 was washed overboard during a Hurricane, so that was the end of that airframe. A11-201 the remains of which were still in the hold after being damaged on 12 Feb reached Melbourne safely and was subsequently rebuilt for later use.

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