What was the British Air Ministry specification or contract 38627/39 and what aircraft resulted from it?

[Sid Guttridge]

I understand 38627/39 was something related to light aircraft, because the Auster was reportedly a consequence of it.
When, precisely, in 1939 was 38627/39 issued?
And who, apart from Taylorcraft/Auster, responded to it and with what offerings?

Many thanks for any assistance.

Sid.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Sid
Our friend Geoffrey Sinclair (who keeps track of these contract numbers) has the following to say

1 Taylorcraft D from Taylorcraft serial T9120 on contract 38627/39,
aircraft taken on charge 19 December 1939, to 1 School of Army Co-operation.


For those who don't have Air Britain's excellent Auster books, I can add the following
After its service with the School it went to 651Sq/124 Flt 8.10.1941
Damaged 27.5.1942
To Taylorcraft for repairs 6.6.1942
Back to 651Sq 28.7.1942
To 653Sq 22.8.1942
To 652Sq 17.11.1942
To 43 OTU 6.12.1942
Damaged 22.8.1943
To Taylorcraft for repairs 25.8.1943
To 5 MU 7.11.1943
To 2 Group Comm Flt 12.12.1943
To Benson Jan 1944
To Brussels - Evere Nov 1944
To 5 MU 25.5.1945
Sold 19.2.1946 to Wiltshire School of Flying Ltd (reg G-AHAF 26.1.1946)
Badly damaged 1.2.1948 when it landed on another Taylorcraft, G-AHUG
Canx as destroyed 29.5.1948

B Rgds
Geoffrey and Stig

[Sid Guttridge]

Hi Stig,

Thanks for that.

I recently bought the main Air Britain book on production of Austers, but my question arises from the fact that it didn't give details of when specification or contract 38627/39 was actually issued, or whether it was an open competitive exercise for which other companies submitted designs.

I would also like to know whether 38627/39 was a pre-war specification or a response to the outbreak of war.

Many thanks,

Sid.

[Stig Jarlevik]

There is another Air Britain book which deals with these contract orders.

I am travelling right now and will not be back until next week. Pls send me a PM
and I will check it out when I get back

Cheers
Stig