[3] A combination of the more powerful 180 hp (134 kW) Blackburn Cirrus Bombardier engine, larger wings and large flaps gave it an improved take-off and landing performance compared with the AOP.6.

It could operate from ploughed fields and muddy surfaces using low pressure tyres and strengthened undercarriage.

[4] The cabin held three seats, pilot and passenger side-by-side and the observer behind, facing either forwards or rearwards.

[9][10] They stayed in service until 1966 and were the last fixed wing AOP aircraft used by the AAC,[9] though their light transport role was taken over by Beavers.

The Army Historic Aircraft Flight maintain an AOP.9[11] in flying condition at Middle Wallop.