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Designed as a two men crew light biplane by Sir Alliot Verdon-Roe, the Avro 504 made its first flight in September 1913.
Very manoeuvrable, its career ended only in the late thirties. During WW1, besides its fighter and reconnaissance roles, it appeared perfectly adapted as a Zeppelin hunter, thanks to its exceptional service ceiling.
On the 21st of November, 1914, three "5O4" successfully attacked the Freidrichshafen Zeppelin hangars with 20 lb bombs. They were flown by Commander Babington and Lieutenant Sippe, while the third plane, piloted by Briggs had to land after being hit by German flak.
The Avro 504K was also used for training in England during World War 1 period, as well as in the Canadian Army where it was used from 1920 to 1928.
Following the end of the war, while the type continued in service as the standard trainer of the RAF, large numbers of surplus aircraft were available for sale, both for civil and military use. More than 300 504Ks were placed on the civil register in Britain. Being used for training, pleasure flying and banner towing, Civil 5O4's continued flying in large numbers until well into the 30s.
The improved, redesigned and radial engined 504N was produced by Avro in 1925. After evaluation of two prototypes powered by Bristol Lucifer and Armstrong-Siddeley Lynx engines respectively, the Lynx powered aircraft was selected by the RAF to replace the 504K. 592 were built between 1925 and 1932, equipping the RAFs five flying training schools, while also being used as communication aircraft. The 504N was also exported to the militaries of Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Greece, Thailand and South Africa, with licenced production taking place in Denmark, Belgium, Canada and Japan.
The 504N was finally replaced in 1933 by the Avro Tutor in RAF service, with small numbers continuing in civilian use until 1940, when seven were impressed into RAF service, where they were used for target towing.
The 5O4 was the first airplane to strafe troops on the ground as well as the first to make a bombing raid over Germany. It was also the first Allied airplane to be downed by enemy anti-aircraft fire and was Billy Bishop's first army aircraft.
504: 80 hp Gnome engine. Original model
504A: Modified with smaller ailerons and broader struts. 80 hp Gnome engine.
504B: Version for RNAS with larger fin. 80 hp Gnome or Le Rhône engine.
504C: Single-seat anti-zeppelin aircraft for the RNAS. The 504C was fitted with an extra fuel tank, in place of the observer.
504D: Single-seat anti-zepplin aircraft for the Royal Flying Corps. Six built.
504E: 100 hp Gnome engine.
504F: 75 hp Rolls Royce Hawk engine.
504G: 80 hp Gnome engine.
504H: Used for catapult trials. 80 hp Gnome engine.
504J: Used as a trainer. 100 hp Gnome or 80 hp Le Rhône engine.
504K: Two-seat training aircraft. The 504K had a universal mount to take different engines. Single seat fighter conversion used for anti-zeppelin work, . Several were assembled in Australia by Australian Aircraft & Engineering. 130 hp Clerget, 100 hp Gnome or 110 hp Le Rhône engines.
504L: Floatplane version. 150 hp Bentley BR1, 130 hp Clerget or 110 hp Le Rhône engines.
504M: Three-seat cabin biplane. Only one was ever built. 100 hp Gnome engine.
504N: Two-seat training aircraft.: Redesigned postwar trainer for RAF with 160 hp Armstrong Siddely Lynx engine. 598 built.
504P: Unbuilt version of the 504N.
504Q: Three-seat cabin biplane. The 504Q was built for the Oxford University Arctic Expedition. Only one was ever built. Armstrong Siddely Lynx engine.
504R Gosport: Reworked trainer. Ten were sold to Argentina, and 100 more were built by FMA under licence in Argentina. Three were exported to Estonia, and an unknown number to Peru.
504S: Two-seat training aircraft. Built under licence in Japan by Nakajima.
Yokosuka K1Y: Two-seat training aircraft for the Japanese Navy. Japanese version of the 504K. 104 were built in Japan.
U-1: Russian copy of the 504K.
NU-1: Russian seaplane version.
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