Luton Buzzard

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.

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.

Variants

Buzzard I

Prototype open cockpit ultralight, one built.

Buzzard II

Buzzard I rebuilt with enclosed cockpit and other modifications.

Specifications (Buzzard II)

General characteristics

Crew: 1

Length: 21 ft 6 in ()

Wingspan: 35 ft 6 in ()

Height: ()

Empty weight: 400 lb ()

Max. takeoff weight: 600 lb ()

Powerplant: 1 × British Anzani 35hp air-cooled inverted V-twin, 35hp ()

Performance

Maximum speed: 95 mph

Range: 180 miles ()