Avro 552
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1910 in United Kingdom |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
The Avro 552 was a British light biplane developed in the early 1920s as part of Avro’s efforts to adapt the wartime 504 model for civilian use.
Design and development
Avro capitalised on the surplus stock of Wolseley Viper engines, originally intended for the Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5, by integrating one into a standard 504K airframe in 1921, designated as the Avro 551. Testing yielded positive results; however, due to the Viper engine’s increased fuel consumption, an additional fuel tank was installed in the upper wing. Modifications were also made to the ailerons.
This updated design entered production as the 552. The 552A variant, equipped with floats, was acquired by the Argentine Navy, which operated twelve of these aircraft as trainers until 1927. Bulgaria also procured two similar units.
In 1924, the Royal Canadian Air Force commissioned Canadian Vickers to manufacture five landplane versions and nine seaplane variants for forestry patrol duties. These Canadian models differed from their British counterparts by featuring U.S.-made Naval Aircraft Factory floats and larger fuel tanks to extend their operational range. One seaplane produced under licence was fitted with a Wright engine and designated in Canadian service as the Avro Wright. Additionally, C.B. Field of Kingswood Knoll, Surrey constructed three aircraft from surplus parts supplied by Avro; these were employed as banner tugs by Inca Aviation until 1935.
The fuselage from the prototype 552, registered G-EAPR, was later adapted for use in the Cierva C.8 autogyro. Eventually, it was restored to its original winged configuration by a private owner after being sold by the manufacturer.
Operators
- Bulgarian Air Force and naval aviation units
Specifications (552)
References
Bibliography
- Anderson, Lennart (November–December 2019). "La renaissance de l'aviation militair bulgare dans les années vingt" [The Rebirth of Bulgarian Military Aviation in the Twenties]. Avions (in French) (232): 52–66. ISSN 1243-8650.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link) - Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. p. 93.
External links
Template:Avro aircraft Template:Aircraft manufactured in Canada