The Victa Airtourer

The win led to the building of the original Air Tourer, VH-FMM, powered by a 65hp Continental A65-8F which first flew from Moorabbin on April 12 1959 piloted by Laurie McPherson. Early plans for the aircraft to enter production at East-West Airlines in Tamworth did not go ahead. The aircraft was then redesigned with a metal wing and the quest began for new backers. Fortunately the chairman of Victa Consolidated Industries, Mervyn Richardson, an engineer and aircraft enthusiast who was impressed by the aircraft, decided in August 1960 to place the aircraft into production.

To promote the aircraft with an eye to export sales VH-FMM was re-engined with a 95hp Continental C90-12F and taken to New Zealand on a demonstration tour. Following assembly by de Havilland at Rongotai, Wellington on January 16/17 1961 it appeared at the Auckland Air Pageant on January 21 putting on an impressive aerobatic display and winning an air race as a bonus. The aircraft visited numerous venues during its visit and returned to Australia on February 18.

Millicer moved to Sydney assuming the role of Victa’s Chief Designer of their Aviation Division and redesigned the Air Tourer as an all metal fully aerobatic aircraft, renamed the Victa Airtourer. The first all-metal prototype production Airtourer 100 VH-MVA, had its maiden flight from Bankstown on December 12 1961 flown by Flt Lt Randy Green, powered by a 100hp Continental O-200-A.

On July 4 1962 the Airtourer 100 received its Type Approval Certificate (Type 34-1), regarded by Victa as an important achievement. In recognition of this milestone an inspection of the Victa production facility at Milperra was organised on July 20 1962 by the Sydney Branch of the Society of Licensed Aircraft Engineers, which this writer also attended. It was gratifying to witness a modern Australian light aircraft in production with the first eight aircraft either completed or in progress, three of which had flown. Aircraft No 2, VH-MVC, the first production aircraft, had promoted sales earlier by attending the Bankstown Airshow in April and the Sydney Royal Easter Show later that month.

A higher performance version was then offered, the Airtourer 115, powered by a 115hp Continental O-235-C1B, with the re-engined VH-MVA flying on September 19 1962. To further enhance market appeal, Victa announced on August 29 1963 their intention to offer a four-seat version to be known as the Aircruiser.

What did the Airtourer cost? The price list issued on November 9 1962 listed the Airtourer at £3,998 with a suite of standard items, painted overall. Examples of optional items were AWA Skyranger HF radio with 5 crystals installed £410, rotating beacon £43/11/6 and artificial horizon or directional gyro at £41/18/- each.

By January 1 1965 there were 70 Victas on the Australian Register, 41 100s and 29 115s, and the number plateaued on July 1966 with 112 Victas, 63 100s and 49 115s. In addition to Australian sales it received export orders.

With the program going so well what could go wrong? A lingering problem was lack of the Victa Aviation Division’s profitability, a concern to Victa directors.The situation was compounded by intensified price competition from US imported aircraft. Apart from Richardson’s enthusiasm for Victa’s aviation products, his view not echoed by other directors.

‘The price list issued on November 9 1962 listed the Airtourer at £3,998.’

To assist production financially, Victa joined other Australian aircraft manufacturers, Cropmaster and Transavia seeking a temporary Government bounty for two to three years. The enquiry began in Canberra on June 9 1966. A case for opposing assistance was jointly put foreward by Beechcraft/Cessna/Piper distributors.

In a move that surprised many, Victa Ltd announced the closure of its Aviation Division on January 20 1967 pre-empting the Tarifff Board decision, advising that the Airtourer design, with other items such as jigs and tools had been sold to a New Zealand company. Victa’s chairman, Mr Gary Richardson, said the Aviation Division, which included projects additional to the Airtourer, had cost the company about $3,000,000 to the time of closure.

Victa’s decision was vindicated when on February 14 1967 Deputy Prime Minister Mr McEwan announced the Government had accepted a Tariff Board decision that no bounty would be paid to Australian light aircraft manufacturers of single-engined aircraft. Victa had completed 168 Airtourers with four incomplete airframes finished by AESL in New Zealand which then built another 80 aircraft, also rebuilding some Victa produced aircraft.

The Victa aviation legacy continues, not only in the Airtourer, but in the CT/4 Airtrainer developed from the Aircruiser. In addition, the Airtourer’s future is promoted by the Airtourer Association and its members.

At time of writing there were over 70 Victa aircraft remaining on the Australian Register.