Avro 557 Ava
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1910 in United Kingdom |
| Founder | Alliott Verdon Roe |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
The Avro Type 557 Ava was a British twin-engine biplane designed as a torpedo bomber during the 1920s. Developed by Avro to satisfy the Royal Air Force's demand for a heavy torpedo bomber, the project resulted in only two prototypes and did not enter production.
Design and development
In 1922, the British Air Ministry issued Specification 16/22, calling for a long-range land-based torpedo bomber capable of carrying a 21 in (533 mm) torpedo or an equivalent bomb load. This specification attracted proposals from manufacturers including Blackburn Aircraft with their Cubaroo and from Avro.[1] Initially, Avro's chief designer, Roy Chadwick, put forward a single-engine design known as the Avro 556, powered by a Napier Cub engine, resembling Blackburn’s approach. However, this concept was rejected in favour of a twin-engine model equipped with two Rolls-Royce Condor engines, resulting in the Avro Type 557 Ava. The Air Ministry placed an order for two prototypes.[1] Due to its armament—a formidable 21 in (533 mm) torpedo capable of sinking large warships—the first Ava prototype (serial number N171) was developed under secrecy and conducted its maiden flight around mid-1924.[1]
Constructed primarily from wood, the Ava featured a three-bay biplane configuration with exposed engines mounted between the wings without cowling. Its tailplane was also biplane in design, initially fitted with three rudders; however, the central rudder was soon removed.[2] The fuselage housed two pilots seated in an open cockpit and included gunner positions at the nose and dorsal areas. Additionally, it incorporated a retractable ventral "dustbin" gun position operated by the navigator or bomb aimer, who otherwise was stationed in a spacious enclosed cabin. The aircraft carried its payload—either a 2,000 lb (910 kg) torpedo or equivalent bombs—on external racks beneath the fuselage.[1]
Although the Air Ministry abandoned plans to utilize the specified 21 in (533 mm) torpedo, Avro proceeded to build a second prototype constructed entirely from metal but otherwise similar to the initial version; this aircraft flew on 22 April 1927.[2] A further adaptation of the Ava was proposed to meet Specification B19/27 for a heavy bomber role, yet this design did not advance beyond proposal stage and no additional units were produced.[1]
Variants
- Ava Mk I
- Initial prototype featuring a wooden airframe.
- Ava Mk II
- Subsequent prototype constructed with metal materials.
Specifications (Ava Mk I)
See also
References
External links
- Avro Ava – British Aircraft Directory