Avro 549 Aldershot
Avro · United Kingdom · first flew 1921 · bomber
The Avro 549 Aldershot was a British single-engine heavy bomber built to Specification 2/20. It was powered by a 650 hp Rolls-Royce Condor.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 13.72 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Three-bay biplane with wooden wings
- Single Rolls-Royce Condor V-12 engine
- Separate gunner's cockpit behind the pilot with a Scarff ring
Look for a big single-engine biplane bomber with a steel-framed fuselage, a cabin with circular windows and a gunner's cockpit behind the pilot.
Specifications
- The Avro 549 Aldershot has a length of 13.72 m (45 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 20.73 m (68 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 177 km/h (110 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Avro received a contract for two prototypes in December 1920, in competition with the de Havilland Derby. The first prototype flew at Hamble in October 1921, and the fuselage was later lengthened by 6 ft to improve directional control.
Variants
The Aldershot II was the first prototype fitted with the Napier Cub and later the Beardmore Typhoon engine. The Avro Andover transport used the same wings, tail and powerplant.
Where you'll see it
The Air Ministry ordered 15 Aldershot IIIs in January 1923. The only operator was No. 99 Squadron RAF, from July 1924, mainly on night flying.
Related aircraft
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