Avro 626
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1910 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Aircraft |
The Avro 626 was a British single-engine biplane trainer aircraft manufactured by Avro during the interwar years between 1918 and 1939.
Design and development
Avro created the Model 626 as an evolution of their earlier Model 621 (Tutor), specifically targeting export markets with smaller air forces. The concept behind the 626 was to offer a versatile platform capable of fulfilling general aircrew training alongside various additional roles. While both the 621 and 626 featured two seats, the latter included a third cockpit positioned behind the rear seat of the 621, accessible from it. This extra cockpit was equipped with a Scarff ring mounting for a machine gun and contained gear for training in navigation, wireless operation, and gunnery. In terms of structure and aerodynamics, it closely resembled the Tutor, featuring a conventional metal airframe covered with fabric and single-bay wings.
Most Avro 626s were powered by an Armstrong Siddeley Lynx IVC engine delivering 240 hp (180 kW), similar to the Tutors. However, those supplied to the Egyptian and Brazilian Air Forces typically employed a more powerful Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah V engine rated at 260 hp (190 kW).
The standard landing gear consisted of fixed, split main wheels paired with either a tailskid or, in later models, a tailwheel. Some Model 621s were also fitted with floats or skis for specialized operations.
The prototype took to the air for the first time in 1930.
Operational history
To promote the Model 626 globally, Avro undertook an assertive marketing campaign. In 1931, an early production example bearing registration G-ABFM was shipped by sea to South America. Following demonstration flights in Buenos Aires and a notable record flight across the Andes Mountains, Argentine military authorities requisitioned the aircraft to assist in suppressing an internal rebellion. The aircraft’s performance impressed officials enough to secure an immediate order for fourteen additional units. The largest operators included the air forces of Chile, Greece, and Portugal. Numerous exports occurred up until 1939, with some machines remaining active in secondary roles until as late as 1945.
Although the Model 621 was primarily a military design, a small number briefly appeared on civilian registers in the United Kingdom (15 units) and Hong Kong (6 units). These registrations were mainly used for testing, demonstration flights, and export purposes; only two civilian-registered aircraft remained on the UK register before World War II. After the conflict, two former RAF Prefects were converted for civilian use alongside one example in New Zealand.
Variants
- Avro 626: A versatile two-seat aircraft designed for multiple roles.
- Avro Prefect: The designation used by the RAF and RNZAF for the Avro 626, reflecting the common practice of naming RAF aircraft during that era. All RNZAF Prefects were equipped with three cockpits, whereas RAF versions were configured as two-seat navigational trainers without the additional cockpit.
- Avro 637: This was an armed reconnaissance variant of the Avro 626. It featured a .303 in (7.7 mm) Vickers machine gun mounted on the fuselage for the pilot, while the observer/gunner operated a .303 in (7.7 mm) Lewis Gun on an Avro low-drag mount. This model had a slightly increased wingspan with rounded tips. Eight units were sold to the Kwangsi Air Force of South China.
- Tatra T.126: A licensed version of the Avro 626 produced in Czechoslovakia, with two proposed variants: one powered by a 355 hp (265 kW) Avia Rk. 17 engine and an export model for Turkey and the Balkans featuring a 260 hp (190 kW) Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah V engine. Only a single example was constructed, and it possibly never flew due to the Munich crisis, as the factory fell within German-occupied territory.
Operators
A total of 198 Avro 626 and Prefect aircraft were manufactured.
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- The Argentine Army Aviation Service, predecessor to the Argentine Air Force, received 15 units.
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- Seven aircraft were delivered to the Austrian Air Force (1927–1938).
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- The Belgian Air Force acquired 12 planes, with two still active at the onset of the German invasion in 1940.
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- Sixteen aircraft were supplied to the Brazilian Air Force.
- File:Canadian Red Ensign (1921–1957).svg Canada
- The Royal Canadian Air Force took delivery of 12 units, which featured adaptations for cold climates such as cowlings, enclosed cockpits, and skis. These remained operational into the early stages of the Second World War.
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- The Chinese Nationalist Air Force likely received around 13 aircraft, with confirmed delivery of at least 11. There is also a possibility that one was domestically produced. All served during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
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- Twenty aircraft were provided to the Chilean Air Force.
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- The Czechoslovak Air Force obtained one unit; however, production was limited due to geopolitical tensions stemming from the Munich crisis affecting Tatra's facility.
- File:Flag of Egypt (1922–1958).svg Egypt
- The Royal Egyptian Air Force received 27 aircraft, marking their first military aviation assets distinct from previous DH-60 Moth trainers. Of these, only 25 entered service after two were lost during delivery. Egyptian 626s remained active from 1933 until 1944.
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- Four aircraft served with the Estonian Air Force.
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- The Hellenic Air Force operated 21 units during the Italian invasion, with three escaping to join the RAF forces stationed in desert operations.
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- Four aircraft were delivered to and operated by the Irish Air Corps until 1941.
- File:Flag of Lithuania.svg Lithuania
- The Lithuanian Air Force received three planes between 1937 and 1939, which remained in service through the period of Soviet occupation.
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- The Royal New Zealand Air Force obtained four Lynx-powered Prefects featuring three cockpits in 1935.
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- No 1 Flying Training School
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- Twenty-six aircraft were supplied directly to both the Portuguese Air Force and Portuguese Navy. Although a production license was granted to Portuguese manufacturer OGMA, it is unclear how many units they produced locally.
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- Spanish Republican Air Force operated an uncertain number of these aircraft during the Spanish Civil War, none supplied directly by Avro.
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- The Royal Air Force received seven two-seat Prefects specifically for air navigation training purposes. Delivered in 1935, these aircraft performed various roles throughout World War II.
Survivors
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The aircraft known as NZ203, with construction number 811, endured beyond World War II and was acquired in 1948 by Mr. J. Frogley, who registered it under the designation ZK-APC. Although it was grounded in 1958, during the 1980s it became part of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum collection and was restored to flying condition, including participation in the RNZAF Historic Flight. It remains the only Avro Prefect still operational today.
Specifications (Avro 626 (Lynx IVC landplane))
See also
Notes
Notes
Bibliography
- Gerdessen, Frederik. "Estonian Air Power 1918 – 1945". Air Enthusiast, No. 18, April – July 1982. pp. 61–76.
- Jackson, A.J. Avro Aircraft since 1908, 2nd edition. London: Putnam Aeronautical Books, 1990.
- Lopes, Mario C. "Les avions Avro au Portugal: des inconnu aux plus célèbres". Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et Son Histoire, January 2000, issue 82, pp. 28–33.
- Pacco, John. "Avro 626 'Prefect'". Belgisch Leger/Armee Belge: Het Militair Vliegwezen/l'Aeronautique Militaire 1930-1940. Aartselaar, Belgium: J.P. Publications, 2003, p. 83.
- Němeček, V. Československá letadla 1918-1945. Praha: Naše Vojsko, 1983.
- Wauthy, Jean-Luc & de Neve, Florian. "Les aéronefs de la Force Aérienne Belge, deuxième partie 1919–1935". Le Fana de l'Aviation, June 1995, issue 305, pp. 28–33.
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