Luton Major Explained

The Luton L.A.5 Major was a 1930s British two-seat high-wing cabin monoplane. Following World War II, plans were made available to suit construction as a homebuilt aircraft.[1]

History

The original L.A.5 Major was a two-seat light aircraft powered by a 62 hp Walter Mikron II engine. It was designed by C.H. Latimer-Needham, and built in 1939 by Luton Aircraft Limited at its Phoenix Works, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. The prototype (G-AFMU), designated L.A.5 Major, first flew on 12 March 1939. During 1943, the Phoenix Works burnt down, destroying the prototype, and causing the Luton Aircraft company to close.[2]

After World War II, Phoenix Aircraft Limited, formed by the designer C.H. Latimer-Needham and A.W.J.G. Ord-Hume, took over the design rights for the Luton Major. Latimer-Needham updated the design to make it more suitable for homebuilding, in which form it has become L.A.5A Major, with plans marketed by Falconar Avia of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada as the Cubmajor. An open cockpit version is marketed as the Majorette.[2] [3] [4]

Variants

L.A.5 Major
  • Prototype, one built.
    L.A.5A Major
  • Updated homebuilt version, all homebuilt.
    Falconar Cubmajor
  • Version marketed in kit and plans form by Falconar Avia
    Falconar Majorette
  • Version with open cockpit marketed in kit and plans form by Falconar Avia

    Bibliography

    Notes and References

    1. Sport Aviation. September 1965. Major Revival. Aithur W. J. G. Ord-Hume.
    2. Jackson 1974, p. 261
    3. Air Trails. Winter 1971. 76.
    4. Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, page 154. BAI Communications.

    This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Luton Major".

    Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.