Avro 504 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Avro 504
Avro 504.
Role	Training aircraft.
National origin	UK
Manufacturer	Avro
First flight	1913
Introduction	1914
Status	Out of service.
Primary user	Royal Flying Corps
Produced	1914-1932
Number built	More than 12000 examples

The Avro 504 was a famous British airplane. It was mostly used to train pilots during World War I. It was one of the first important military aircraft made in Britain.

This airplane was a biplane, meaning it had two sets of wings. It also had two seats and one engine. The Avro 504 was used by several countries, including Belgium, France, Portugal, and the USA.

What Was the Avro 504?

The Avro 504 was designed by the British company Avro. It first flew in 1913 and started being used in 1914. It became very important during World War I because many new pilots were needed.

A Plane for Training Pilots

The main job of the Avro 504 was to teach new pilots how to fly. It was a good training plane because it was stable and easy to control. This made it perfect for beginners learning the basics of flying. Pilots would learn how to take off, land, and fly safely in the air.

Other Uses of the Avro 504

Even though it was mostly a trainer, the Avro 504 had other roles too.

• Early Combat: At the very start of World War I, some Avro 504s were used for bombing and looking for enemy positions. However, they were soon replaced by faster planes for these jobs.
• Night Fighter: Some Avro 504s were changed to become night fighters. They would try to shoot down German airships called Zeppelins that were bombing Britain at night. They were fitted with a special Lewis gun that could shoot upwards.

Where Was It Used?

The Avro 504 was built in large numbers. More than 12,000 of these planes were made between 1914 and 1932. It was used by many air forces around the world, not just Britain. Its long service life shows how useful and reliable it was.

Legacy of the Avro 504

The Avro 504 is remembered as one of the most important training aircraft in history. It helped train thousands of pilots during and after World War I. Many pilots who became famous learned to fly in an Avro 504. Even after the war, it continued to be used for training and even for fun flights.

Images for kids

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  The Shuttleworth Avro 504K

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  Foster-mounted Lewis gun on night fighter Avro 504K

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  Qantas Avro 504K replica with Sunbeam engine displayed at Qantas Domestic Terminal

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  This Avro 504K was the first aeroplane in Iceland, taken there in 1919

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  Replica Avro 504K on display at Sydney Airport.

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  Replica Avro 504K on display at RAAF Museum.

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  Avro 504K 3-view drawing

See also

In Spanish: Avro 504 para niños