The Auster Model N normally known by the specification number as the A.2/45 was a
strut-braced high-wing monoplane with a single
DH Gipsy Queen engine, the enclosed cabin had room for a pilot and observer seated in tandem. It had a
conventional landing gear with a tail wheel. The British
Air Ministry Specification A.2/45 was issued on 20 July 1945 for an Air Observation Aircraft to meet Operational Requirement OR.176 in particularly for operation from unprepared landing grounds. Contracts for four prototypes from both Auster and the
Heston Aircraft Company were placed on 21 August 1945, this was later reduced to just two aircraft from each company. The Heston competitor for the specification was the
Heston JC.6. The first prototype Auster A.2/45
VL522 flew on 27 April 1948. The Air Ministry requirement was cancelled on 20 March 1950 and only the two prototypes were built. ==Specifications==