Translation planes of order \(q^ 2\) that admit a collineation group of order \(q^ 2\) (Q788995)

Let \(\pi\) be a semifield plane of order \(n\). Then \(\pi\) admits a collineation group \({\mathcal G}\) of order \(n\) in the linear translation complement. There are also non-semifield planes admitting such a group, the only known examples with \({\mathcal G}\) of order \(n\) being such that \(n=q^ 2\) and that the dimension over the kern is 2. \textit{W. Kantor} [Isr. J. Math. 42, 227-234 (1982; Zbl 0511.51011)] constructed a ''likeable'' plane of such a type, and his work motivated the paper under review which deals with translation planes with \(n=q^ 2\) and kern \(GF(q)\), \(| {\mathcal G}| =q^ 2\). First, Kantor's construction of likeable functions is generalized. Then a characterization is found for translation planes with \(n=q^ 2\) and \(| {\mathcal G}| =q^ 2\). If such planes are derivable they are shown to be likeable or semifield planes. In the case of prime q, the authors completely determine all translation planes. Finally, semitranslation planes derived from the dual plane are discussed, and, in particular, the semitranslation planes of Lenz-Barlotti class II1 with point transitive \({\mathcal G}\) are studied.