| Avro | |||
|
|||
|
504K # |
|||
%20(8X4).jpg) |
|||
|
Photo:
Robert Deering 10/18/2012 National Museum of the USAF Wright-Patterson AFB (FFO) Dayton, Ohio |
|||
|
In July
1913, the British A.V. Roe (Avro) Co. tested its first
model 504 aircraft, and numerous variants followed --
based upon the type of engine installed. The 504K
version had adapters, which allowed the installation of
several different types of rotary engines. This aircraft
had an undistinguished combat career, but it proved to
be an excellent trainer.
After America entered World War I, it took many months to build the training facilities needed by the U.S. Army Air Service. Meanwhile, many American student pilots went overseas for flight training. Those sent to Great Britain learned on the Avro 504K trainer before advancing to combat aircraft. The U.S. Army Air Service eventually established its main training center at Issoudun, France, and in July 1918, the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) commanders ordered 52 Avro 504K aircraft for teaching aerobatics at Issoudun. After the war, the Army Air Service brought a few Avro 504K aircraft back to the United States, and they remained in training service for a few years. Using original parts, the Royal Canadian Air Force's Aircraft Maintenance & Development Unit built the aircraft on display in 1966-1967 with a 110-hp Le Rhone J rotary engine. It arrived at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in May 2003, and it is painted to represent one of the 52 Avro 504K aerobatic trainers used at the AEF No. 3 Instruction Center, Issoudun, France, in 1918. TECHNICAL NOTES: Maximum speed: 95 mph Ceiling: 13,000 ft. Weight: 1,830 lbs.
Source:
National Museum of the United States Air Force |
