THE UGLIEST AIRPLANE: An Appreciation

摘要

IT IS ONE OF THE MOST BIZARRE LOOKING aircraft ever to reach production. Its conception occurred in Australia, its gestation in New Zealand, and its growth and maturation back in Australia. This geography, and unfettered thinking about the TransAvia AirTruk's mission, drove the airplane's unusual appearance. In the mid-1950s, the largely agricultural country of New Zealand found itself in need of new aircraft for "topdressing"-spreading soil enhancers and fertilizers by air-what we on this side of the world call "cropdusting." The old airplanes they had inherited from the British Commonwealth, mostly converted de Havilland Tiger Moths and Piper Cub-like Austers, were wearing out. A few new American designs were imported, but currency restrictions of the day made them very expensive. New Zealanders needed a locally built airplane specifically designed for the job and sold for an affordable price.