Avro 548

Avro

Industry	Aircraft manufacturing
Founded	1910 in United Kingdom
Products	Aircraft

The Avro 548 was a British civil training aircraft developed following World War I. Its design closely followed that of Avro's military 504 model but incorporated an inline engine and featured seating for three occupants. The initial prototype, known as the 545, flew equipped with a Curtiss OX-5 V-8 engine; however, this powerplant was deemed unsuitable for civilian use due to its heavy weight and the complexity of its cooling system. Subsequently, an air-cooled Renault engine replaced it, and aircraft with this setup were designated 548. Typically, these planes were tailored to the specifications of individual customers, resulting in considerable variation in outfitting and features; some units were conversions of surplus war-era 504s. Their roles included civil pilot training, joyriding services, private transportation, and competitive racing.

An upgraded variant, the 548A, was fitted with an ADC Airdisco engine—a refined version of the Renault powerplant delivering 120 hp (90 kW)—which significantly enhanced its performance.

Plans to produce a model with an enclosed cabin, termed the 553, never advanced beyond the design stage.

Operators

Template:LAT

• Latvian Air Force – Procured two 548N models in 1924.

Template:POR

• Portuguese Air Force – Acquired two units of the 548A variant in 1924.

External links

• Avro 548 – Directory of British Aircraft