The Auster Aircraft Company is probably the best known of the aircraft manufacturers in Leicestershire.
The company produced aircraft for civil and military use which were used globally. The company originated in 1938 as Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd of Thurmaston. Production moved to Rearsby during the 1940s and aircraft were built at this site until 1968. After 1960, the company was absorbed by Beagle Aircraft. Auster J1 G-AGOH is a historically significant aircraft which was developed when the Auster company was planning for the civil aircraft market after the Second World War.
The aircraft was an ex-military Auster Mk. V which was used to test a new engine. All military equipment was removed and the aircraft was registered G-AGOH. The aircraft was sold to a private owner at Leicester Airport in 1951 and was donated to the museum service in 1969.
