Avro 533 Manchester
| Industry | Aircraft manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1910 in United Kingdom |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Aircraft |
The Avro 533 Manchester was a twin-engine biplane developed during the World War I period, intended for photo-reconnaissance and bombing roles, and produced by the British manufacturer Avro.
Design and development
Conceived as a twin-engine bomber and reconnaissance platform, the Avro 533 evolved from the earlier 523 and 529A models. Initially known as the Avro 529B, it was designed to be powered by the new 320 hp (240 kW) ABC Dragonfly I nine-cylinder radial engines. However, following a redesign in July 1918, the aircraft was re-designated as the Avro 533. Due to unavailability of the original engines, the second prototype was equipped in November 1918 with 300 hp (220 kW) Siddeley Puma engines, earning it the designation Avro 533A Manchester Mk II, which first took to the air in December of that year. Additionally, there was a proposal to fit an American 400 hp (300 kW) Liberty engine as an alternative option.
Operational history
The Avro 533A Manchester Mk II commenced flight trials in December 1918, with testing conducted by No. 186 Development Squadron. By March 1919, Avro forwarded the initial prototype to the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment at Martlesham Heath for official evaluation before it was returned to Avro's Hamble facility. The aircraft featured a sizable structure built primarily from wood and fabric, consistent with construction methods of its era. It retained open cockpits, though future plans included modifications to incorporate enclosed passenger compartments.
In December 1919, the second prototype was re-equipped with Dragonfly I engines and redesignated as the Avro 533A Manchester Mk I. Apart from engine changes, differences between the Mk I and Mk II were minimal; however, the Mk I incorporated a slightly smaller lower wing area along with an enlarged tailfin and rudder to address stability issues identified during testing. Flight evaluations revealed performance below expectations, prompting Avro to reconsider further development. Consequently, work on the third prototype was discontinued before engine installation.
In March 1919, Avro proposed converting the design into a passenger transport named the Avro 537, derived from the bomber variant. This plan was eventually abandoned, and all three Type 533 prototypes were dismantled.
Variants
- Avro 533A Mk I – initial configuration (originally named Avro 529B, later reclassified as Avro 533)
- Avro 533A Mk II – equipped with Siddeley Puma engines
Specifications (Mk.II)
References
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Harlin, E.A. and G.A. Jenks. Avro: An Aircraft Album. Shepperton, Middlesex, UK: Ian Allan, 1973.
- Holmes, Harry. Avro: The History of an Aircraft Company. Wiltshire, UK: The Crowood Press, 2004.
- Jackson, Aubrey J. Avro Aircraft since 1908. London: Putnam, 1965.
- Mason, Francis K. The British Bomber since 1914. London: Putnam, 1994.
- Sharpe, Michael. Biplanes, Triplanes and Seaplanes: 300 of the World's Greatest Aircraft. London: Friedman/Fairfax Books, 2000.
- Taylor, Michael J.H., editor. Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War I. London: Studio Editions, 1990.
External links
- Avro 533 Manchester I F3493
- Avro Manchester (533) – Directory of British Aircraft
- Articles with short description
- Use dmy dates from May 2017
- Articles with invalid date parameter in template
- Use British English from May 2017
- Pages with broken file links
- 1910s British bomber aircraft
- Avro aircraft
- Twin piston-engined tractor aircraft
- Biplanes
- Aircraft first flown in 1918
- Aircraft with fixed conventional landing gear