Test pilot and aero engineer David Lockspeiser designed and built a prototype multi-purpose aircraft that could be simply built and maintained in agricultural regions across the world; and all done on a shoestring. The Boxer’s removable payload module enabled easy conversion between tasks and its rear-mounted pusher engine meant it could fly at low speeds for transporting people, livestock and cargo, as well as being used for crop spraying.

In this entertaining lecture, Lockspeiser discusses the design ethos behind his aircraft, before taking us step-by-step through the design, development and testing processes, as well as marketing, its first flight at Wisley in 1971 and the tragic ending of the project. The recording concludes with a question and answer session in which an experienced audience discuss many aspects of light aircraft design and development through the late twentieth century.

David Lockspeiser FRAeS addressed a meeting organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Historical Group on 2 February 2008. The lecture was introduced by Dr Kit Mitchell FRAeS and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.