Avro 504K
One of the most famous aircraft of all time, the Avro 504 started its illustrious career in 1914, when three 504As successfully bombed the German Zeppelin sheds in the first planned raid in aerial warfare. The 504K, trainer version, appeared in 1918, and served with almost every RAF training unit, including Nos 5, 6, 7 and 8 Squadrons of the Australian Flying Corps.
Following the Armistice, a number of 504Ks were imported into Australia and placed in service at Point Cook.
In 1921 twenty-eight Avros were transferred from the Australian Air Corps to the RAAF, including two seaplanes, A3-46 and A3-47. The aircraft served mainly with the Flying Training School at Point Cook, although some were allotted to Nos 1 and 3 Squadrons in 1925.
The Avro 504K goes down in Australian history as being the first aircraft to be manufactured locally. In 1922 six 504Ks were built at Mascot for the RAAF, and the first aircraft, A3-48, was accepted in June by Squadron Leader F. S. Barnwell (designer of the famed Bristol Fighter, which served with Nos 1 and 3 Squadrons, AFC). Built with Australian timbers, the Avros were only 80 pounds heavier than the spruce-built 504Ks of the parent factory.
In June 1928, the DH Cirrus Moth replaced the Avro 504K.
One Avro 504K, A3-4, has been preserved for posterity by the Australian War Memorial.
TECHNICAL DATA: Avro 504K
DESCRIPTION:
Two-seat trainer; wooden structure; fabric covered.
POWER PLANT:
One 100hp Monosoupape, 110hp Le Rhone or 130hp Clerget.
DIMENSIONS:
Span 10.97 m (36 ft); length 8.96 m (29ft 5in); height 3.17 m (10ft 5in).
WEIGHT:
Empty 558 kg; loaded 830 kg.
PERFORMANCE:
Maximum speed 145 km/h (78 kt); climb - 5 minutes to 3,500ft (1066 m), 16 minutes to 10,000ft (3048 m); range, 402 km; endurance 3 hours; service ceiling, 16,000ft (4877 m).
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