Airspeed AS.65 Consul

The Airspeed AS.65 Consul was a post‑war British light transport aircraft produced by Airspeed Ltd. between 1946 and 1949. Developed from the wartime AS.10 Oxford trainer, the Consul retained the robust low‑wing, all‑metal structure but was fitted with a glazed cabin for four to six passengers and a single nose‑mounted de Havilland Gipsy Queen 30‑hp engine. Its simplified undercarriage, reinforced wing spars and spacious baggage compartment made it suitable for regional airlines, charter services and military liaison duties. Over 250 Consuls were built, many serving with British European Airways, the Royal Air Force and overseas operators such as the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the Indian Air Force. The type was notable for pioneering the conversion of wartime trainers into civilian transports, demonstrating a cost‑effective path to rebuilding commercial aviation after World II. Its reliable performance—cruising at 185 mph, a range of 600 mi and easy maintenance—helped re‑establish short‑haul routes across Europe and contributed to the growth of post‑war air travel. The Consul remains a symbol of Airspeed Ltd.’s innovative adaptation during a pivotal era in aviation history. Today a handful of airworthy examples are preserved in museums and private collections, showcasing the aircraft’s timeless design.

Airspeed Ltd.

Airspeed AS.65 Consul

Classification

Design & Classification