On the automorphism groups of \(\beta\)-derived planes (Q1067600)

In Geom. Dedicata 7, 81-98 (1977; Zbl 0373.50006), \textit{A. A. Bruen} introduced a process called \(\beta\)-derivation. This construction yields a not regular spread \(\beta\) F of PG(3,q), q odd, from the regular spread F of the same PG(3,q). Let H be the automorphism group of PG(3,q) leaving \(\beta\) F invariant. The main result of this paper is that H contains a nontrivial subgroup whose order divides \((q+1)/2\). This implies that any \(\beta\)-derived translation plane admits collineations which are not dilatations. In some special cases there is a subgroup of order \((q+1)/2\) and even collineations not belonging to this group are constructed.