Avro Bison Mk I
Avro · United Kingdom · first flew 1921 · transport aircraft
The Avro Bison Mk I is a single-engine biplane designed for carrier-based fleet spotting and fleet reconnaissance for the Royal Navy in the early 1920s. It features a capacious enclosed fuselage to accommodate a crew of observer, wireless operator, and photographer alongside the pilot.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Slab-sided deep fuselage housing observer/radio crew |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-engine biplane with large enclosed cabin
- Carrier-based fleet spotter with folding wings
- Slab-sided deep fuselage housing observer/radio crew
Identified by its deep slab-sided biplane fuselage, large cabin glazing, folding wing arrangement for carrier stowage, and the characteristic boxy fuselage profile setting it apart from contemporary fighters or bombers.
Specifications
- The Avro Bison Mk I has a length of 10.97 m (36 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.02 m (46 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 177 km/h (110 mph).
- Typical crew: 4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed in response to a Royal Navy requirement for a carrier-based fleet spotter, the Bison first flew in 1921 and entered service with the Fleet Air Arm aboard HMS Hermes and Eagle. It was one of the first purpose-designed carrier aircraft to provide an enclosed working environment for its crew.
Variants
The Mk I was followed by the Mk II with a revised engine installation and detail refinements; total production was modest at around 53 aircraft across both marks.
Where you'll see it
The Avro Bison served with the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy through the 1920s, operating from carriers in both spotting and reconnaissance roles before being replaced by more capable types.
Related aircraft
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