Avro 504

Avro 504 History

From 1913 to the early 1930s, the Avro 504 series of aircraft unwittingly became one of the most produced and influential biplane designs in the UK. The design started out as an armed reconnaissance biplane, but was quickly relegated to a training role as new, more powerful fighters became available.

This new role will help the Avro 504 shine in Royal Army service for decades to come.

The Avro 504 was essentially a single-engine biplane. Crew quarters are for one or two people, depending on the model series. The weapon is usually a 7.62mm Lewis machine gun mounted on the front flexibly. Additional bomb storage can be attached to the underwing part of the aircraft.

Early models included a landing gear in addition to a fixed one, although this carriage was eliminated in subsequent models.

The legacy of the Type 504 will begin with the evolution of the Avro Type 500 base trainer. Commissioned by the British Royal Navy and British Royal Army, the Type 504 entered service in 1913 with a Gnome Rotary engine producing 80 hp, which was actually closer to 60 hp.

Early combat experience indicated that the Type 504 had limited attack on ground targets, with occasional use of zeppelins to disrupt the launch. Despite its success in these roles, advances in warfare research technology forced the Type 504 to enter training service by 1914.

The Type 504 proved to be a versatile performer, with minor structural modifications, new names for special roles and a plethora of engine appointments, as evidenced by the countless variants produced. Type 504K represents the two-seater version, while Type 504C represents the dedicated anti-zeppelin mount. The pontoons later produced the Type 504L seaplane, while the Type 504M was relegated to transport duty.

At the end of the war, the system was still in production, with nearly 600 more units added between 1925 and 1932 on top of over 10,000 units. These are designated Type 504N and are new production or rebuild models of existing Type 504s.

The Type 504 will eventually be succeeded by the Avro Tutor family of aircraft.

Ultimately, the extraordinary 504 series will be one of the most beloved aircraft of its generation. Many military pilots will train their wings on the platform, as will many more civilian pilots.

The Type 504 became a mainstay of the famous "barnstorming" tour group and a prized collectible for avid pilots.

Avro 504 Specification

BASICS

MANUFACTURING

ROLES

DIMENSIONS

WEIGHTS

POWER

PERFORMANCE

ARMAMENT

VARIANTS