Avro Anson
Avro · United Kingdom · first flew 1935 · transport aircraft
The Avro Anson is a twin-engine British monoplane that served as a maritime patrol aircraft, trainer, and communications transport across the British Commonwealth for over three decades. It was produced in enormous numbers during and after the Second World War.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Long oval fuselage with many cabin windows |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Long oval fuselage with many cabin windows
- Fixed spatted undercarriage on early marks
- Twin radial engines on low tapered wing
The fixed spatted undercarriage, oval fuselage, and hand-cranked retractable turret on early marks are distinctive. Later marks have cleaner lines with retractable gear and a revised cockpit.
Specifications
- The Avro Anson has a length of 12.88 m (42 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 17.22 m (56 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 303 km/h (188 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 pilots + up to 6 passengers or trainees.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed as a coastal patrol monoplane for the RAF, the Anson first flew in January 1935 and entered service in 1936 as the RAF's first monoplane with a retractable undercarriage — although early marks retained fixed gear in service. Over 11,000 were built in the UK and Canada, where it formed the backbone of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Post-war Ansons served as light transports and air ambulances.
Variants
Marks I through XXII were produced, with the Mk I the most numerous wartime maritime patrol version. Canadian-built variants used Jacobs radials and plywood construction. The Anson C.19 and T.21 were post-war communication and training versions.
Where you'll see it
Central to RAF Coastal Command and the Commonwealth Air Training Plan in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand; retired from RAF service in 1968 — one of the longest-serving British military aircraft.
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