The J5 was a development of the J1 and it differed in having a sloping firewall to accommodate the larger and heavier engine. This reduced the fuel capacity of the main tank though this is overcome by the addition of a 13.75 Imp.G belly tank. It also retained the smaller vertical tail surfaces of the J1. Introduced in 1947, the J/5 range included the Autocar with its distinctive hump-backed fuselage aft of the trailing edge. This proved popular albeit briefly with clubs until the advent of modern US types. The J/5F is the only Auster rated for aerobatics.
The Adventurer four-seat model of the J/5 was built for the Australian market. Most were shipped to Kingsford Smith Aviation Services of Bankstown, Sydney, for assembly. Six were purchased by the RNZAF (NZ1701-NZ1706) for army and forestry patrol work.
The four-seat J/5 Autocrat was developed into the J/5B Autocrat with the prototype flying in August 1949. Also powered by a 130 hp Gipsy Major I engine, it featured a domed cabin roof, wing fuel tanks and an enlarged horn-balanced rudder.
In 1951 the two-seat J/5F Aiglet Trainer was introduced. It was basically a J/1B converted to a dual control aerobatic trainer with a widened 4in and strengthened fuselage. Horn-balanced rudder and elevator are fitted and wingspan reduced from 36 ft to 32 ft. Approximately 70 of this type were built, including several with a 155 hp Gipsy Major engine, as the J/5K, with a 155 hp Cirrus Major, the J/5L, with a 155 hp Gipsy Major, and the J/5R which combined the Aiglet Trainer fuselage and tail with Autocrat wings.
The J.5F Aiglet Trainer was approved by the Air Ministry for A.T.C. flying training. The company stated that the Aiglet is the only aircraft other than ex-military types to obtain this approval.
The direct-reading fuel gauge on the 14gal front tank was very accurate and they could fly until only two gallons remained, allowing nearly two-hour work stints.
Developed from the three-seat J/5 Autocrat, the J/5B Autocar added a 155 hp Cirrus Major III engine and first flew in August 1949. Approximately 100 were built, most being exported.
The J/5G Cirrus Autocar, first flown in July 1951, which was designed with tropical conditions in mind. Around 80 were built. A usual load for the J/5Gs was 7cwt (350kg).
The engine was changed to a 145 hp Cirrus Major II to create the J/5H Autocar.
A 145 hp de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 engine was added, producing the J/5P Autocar 145 in 1955. Approximately 20 were built. The Autocar differed from the Autocrat with raised rear fuselage decking and enlarge fin and rudder assembly.
The J/5Q Alpine incorporated the long-span wings of the J/5B Autocar and the wide fuselage of the J/5F and was powered by a 130 hp Gipsy Major I engine.
The J/5R Alpine was powered by a 145 hp de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 engine.
In 1955 Harry Wigley devised retractable skis and installed them on an Aiglet, ZK-BDX. Trials took place on the Tasman Glacier with commercial operations beginning the following year.
In 1955 Saunders-Roe conducted trials of its hydroski concept using an Auster J/5G Autocar. The skis were fitted to a standard aeroplane and were demonstrated successfully. They supported the aircraft down to a fast taxying speed so it could land on water and roll up onto a beach, and start its takeoff from a very short stretch of land or a ramp.
The sole Auster J8L Aiglet Trainer was a J/5K re-engined with a de Havilland Gipsy Major 1 engine.
The 1954 Auster J8 L Aglet Trainer was located in Queensland, Australia, registered VH-RIE, when it sold for $38,000 on 14 June 2018. It was noted as:
Serial Number 3151
Total Time Airframe 1870 hrs
One of a kind factory modified for the RAF, and never put into service.
145HP, 1/2″ valve stems, dual fuel pumps, and electric stater. Automotive spark plugs and leads conversion. New gaskets and engine mount rubbers.
In very good condition, aerobatic seats and 4 point seat belts, centre flap leaver and 2+2 seating
33′ wingspan (short wing version), larger rudder to aid better spin recovery, as this is an aerobatic approved aircraft
Model J Auster 5
790 built
Version with rear fuselage of Autocrat known as Alpha 5
J/5
Engine: de Havilland Gipsy Major I, 130 hp
Wingspan: 36 ft / 11 m
Length: 23 ft / 7 m
Height: 8 ft 8 in / 2.6 m
Empty weight: 1162 lb / 527 kg
Loaded weight: 2100 lb / 952.6 kg
Max speed: 114 mph / 183.4 kph
Max range: 375 mi / 603.55 km
Service ceiling: 12,500 ft / 3810 m
50 built
J/5 Adventurer
J/5B Autocar
Engine: 130 hp Gipsy Major I
Span: 36 ft
Wing area: 185 sq,ft
Length: 23 ft 2 in
Height: 7 ft 6 in
Empty weight: 1413 lb
Loaded wight: 2400 lb
Max speed: 116 mph
Cruise: 100 mph
Service ceiling: 11,000 ft
ROC: 525 fpm
Range: 500 mi
Approx. 100 built
J/5F Aiglet Trainer
Engine: Gipsy Major 1, 130 hp.
Wingspan: 32 ft
Wing area: 164 sq.ft
Length: 23 ft 2 in
Height: 6 ft 6 in
Empty weight: 1323 lb
Aerobatic loaded weight: 1950 lb
Max speed: 125 mph
Cruise: 107 mph
ROC: 650 fpm
Service ceiling: 12,500 ft
Cruise range: 500 mi
J5F Aiglet Trainer / J/5K / J/5L
Engine: DH Gipsy Major 10, 145 hp
Span: 32 ft
Length: 23 ft 2.5 in
Mauw: 1950 lb
Max speed: 127 mph
Seats: 2
Approx. 70 built
J/5G Autocar
Engine: 155 hp Cirrus Major 3
Span: 36 ft
Wing area: 185 sq,ft
Length: 23 ft 2 in
Height: 7 ft 6 in
Empty weight: 1367 lb
Loaded wight: 2450 lb
Max speed: 127 mph
Cruise: 110 mph
Service ceiling: 14,000 ft
ROC: 710 fpm
Range: 485 mi
Approx. 80 built
J/5H Autocar
Engine: 150 hp Cirrus Major 2
Span: 36 ft
Wing area: 185 sq,ft
Length: 23 ft 2 in
Height: 7 ft 6 in
Empty weight: 1367 lb
Loaded wight: 2450 lb
Max speed: 127 mph
Cruise: 110 mph
Service ceiling: 14,000 ft
ROC: 710 fpm
Range: 485 mi
J/5P Autocar
Engine: Gipsy Major 10/2.
Span: 36 ft
Length: 23 ft 2 in
Mauw: 2400 lb
Max speed: 117 mph
Approx. 20 built
J/5R Alpine / J/5Q
T7C
Engine: Gipsy Major
All Aero 