The Luton Buzzard was a 1930s British single-seat, open cockpit ultralight aircraft built by Luton Aircraft Limited.
History
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]
Variants
Buzzard I
Prototype open cockpit ultralight, one built.
Buzzard II
Buzzard I rebuilt with enclosed cockpit and other modifications.
Specifications (Buzzard II)
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)
