Avro Bison

History

When aircraft carriers proved to be a viable ocean-going warship during World War I (1914-1918), military powers that could afford such ships began developing special naval aircraft such as fighter jets and reconnaissance aircraft . Avro (A.V. Roe), an airline known for its contribution to the Royal Air Force (RAF), sold a rare naval aircraft product called the Bison to the Royal Navy. The ugly plane had a short life from 1922 to 1929 and was originally used under the Royal Air Force (RAF) flag.

This aircraftalong with the competing Blackburn R-1 (44)was used to meet the requirements of Specification 3/21 as a "Naval Fleet Scout/Scout". The Avro design adopts the "Typ 555" model name.

Both Avro and Blackburn have signed on to provide three. The Avro design became an ungainly looking creature that retained the typical biplane wing configuration common to many aircraft of the 1920s. The wing consists of an upper and lower wing plane with a dihedron (up angle) visible on the upper span. The engines are usually front mounted, with fixed wheeled landing gear under the aircraft (a tail skid is used under the tail).

Of note is the pilot's position, sitting behind the engine unit but in front of the upper wing section to allow for an impressive view from his open-air position (only the front windshield is present). The fuselage acquired a very deep appearance, which allowed the occupants to stand inside. The three crew members included a navigator, a radio operator and a machine gunner.

Each side of the fuselage was fitted with a large rectangular viewing window, and the gunner operated his post on the back of the aircraft above the cabin area. His weapon - single. 303 Lewis Machine Gun - Mounted on the Scarff ring to allow trainable fire on any approaching enemy aircraft.

The aircraft's tail is largely conventional, except for the tail, which has been given a rather slender, odd shape.

The Bison is powered by a Napier Lion II series engine that produces 480 horsepower when driving a two-bladed propeller. Top speed is 108 mph and cruising is near 90 mph. The combat range is 360 miles, the service ceiling is 12,000 feet, and the climb rate is 450 feet per minute.

Beyond the sole. 303 machine guns, the aircraft was equipped with provisions for carrying bombs under the wings.

The

Type 555 prototype first flew in 1921, and soon there were handling issues associated with its unconventional appearance. The double-wing design feature of the upper wing element has been removed, and the midsection has been increased by two feet to compensate.

Three 555 prototypes have been completed and twelve production examples have been ordered under the name Bison. Although they were intended to be used by the Royal Navy, the first examples were actually operated by the RAF in 1922.

The FAA eventually used the Bison in Squadrons 421, 423, 447 and 448, which served until 1929 before being rescued by Fairey IIIF biplanes.

A few variants mark the Bison's brief history: the Bison I name was used to denote the original 12 aircraft, and the Bison IA followed as a modified Bison I aircraft, introducing gaps in the biplane layout and changing Tail. The Bison II (Type 555A) was a modification with modified wings, 23 prototypes of this type were built.

The Bison I (Type 555B) became a "one-off" example, converted into a prototype amphibious aircraft, but not in service.

A total of 55 Bison aircraft were realized. Due to their special appearance in the 1920s, the type did not record any combat action during its air service. It has never been exported either.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes