Airtourer Variants

During their production run at two different manufacturers, Airtourers were made in a number of different variants. The names or designations of these variants were often haphazard and confusing. For example, the AESL 150 hp Airtourer was referred to in AESL's own Pilot's Handbook at the 150 (T5), when that model is usually known as the T4.

To approach the models, it is easier to start with the configuration of the variants, which differed in engine, propeller, electrical system, and weights. There were also some factory options, such as electric trim, made available on some models, but some of these options may never have been taken up. Many aircraft were re-engined by owners many years after manufacture; most of these modifications conformed to AESL Service Bulletin 6 (SB6).

The Victa Airtourer variants were:

• 100 hp (Rolls Royce Continental O-200)

• 115 hp (Lycoming O-235)

The AESL Airtourer variants were:

• 100 hp (Rolls Royce Continental O-200)

• 115 hp (Lycoming O-235)

• 130 hp (Rolls Royce Continental O-240)

• 150 hp (Lycoming O-320-E1A)

• 150 hp (Lycoming O-320-E1A) with Hartzell constant speed propeller

• 150 hp (Lycoming O-320-E1A) with Hartzell constant speed propeller, strengthened construction, stronger undercarriage, and increased gross weight

• 150 hp (Lycoming O-320-E1A) with Hartzell constant speed propeller, strengthened construction, stronger undercarriage, increased gross weight, and 24V electrical system

In addition, most Airtourers sold in the UK were assembled by Glos-Air, and were sometimes registered as Glos-Airtourers. (115s: 525, 528-531 and 533. 150s: 535, 539-550.)

AESL also rebuilt a small number of Victa Airtourers, some of which had crashed, and in some cases these rebuilds became new types; for example, a Victa Airtourer 100 became an AESL Airtourer 130. Sometimes a new constructor's number was allocated to the rebuild aircraft. Aircraft rebuilt to AESL T3 standard were designated T3A.

Aircraft re-engined under SB6 were allocated new type certificates as follows:

• 100/A1 Airtourer 100 with O-320 (150 hp) engine

• 100/A2 Airtourer 100 with O-235 (115 hp) engine

• 100/A3 Airtourer 100 with O-360 (180 hp) engine

• 115/A1 Airtourer 115 with 150 hp engine (Super 150 equivalent?)

• 115/A2 Victa Airtourer 115 rebuilt as AESL Airtourer 115

A small number of Airtourers, usually Victa 100s, now have 160 hp Lycoming engines following SB6 modifications.

Some RNZAF T6/24s were re-engined with the 160 hp O-320-D1A Lycoming, and that become an approved T6 modification under AES/AT/1048 or RNZAF ENG#4.

There were also Airtourer models proposed, but probably not built:

• 150 hp (Lycoming O-320), proposed as the Victa Sports Airtourer

• 150 hp (Lycoming O-320-E1A) with Hartzell constant speed propeller, strengthened construction, and partly increased gross weight (marketed as the AESL T7)

• 160 hp (Lycoming IO-320) fuel injected with constant speed propeller, inverted systems, and increased down elevator movements (marketed as the AESL T8)

The UK National Archives have a document which refers to Modification of Airtourer 100 to Airtourer 100 RR, so the 100 RR may be another variant.

Likewise, there were proposed Airtourer models to be built by Millicer Aircraft Industries and Edge Aviation, but although some Victa aircraft were modified, no production aircraft eventuated. The proposed model designations were:

• M10-140: One 105kW (140hp) Textron Lycoming O320-E2A flat four piston engine driving a two blade fixed pitch propeller.

• M10-160 - One 120kW (160hp) fuel injected IO-320-D1A driving a two blade constant speed propeller.