Alliot Vernon Roe had designed several interesting and exciting aircraft prior to the Avro 504. His Avro 500 aircraft can clearly be seen as a precursor to the 504.
Avro 500 or Avro Biplane as this picture postcard clearly identifies the aircraft. Of note is the lack of ailerons (wing warping used) and the incorporation of the Avro characteristic center skid, located between the tyres. The familiar “Comma” rudder had not been added at this point. This rudder appears to be more like those uses on a Blériot.
This later Avro Biplane is beginning to look more and more like a 504. The cowling has been changed around the rotary engine but it still relies on wing warping for control. Dated Oct 1st, 1913.
This is what I consider the typical, early production Avro 504 #789. This aircraft has ailerons, two distinct cockpits, blisters on the side the the black enameled cowing. The rudder is of the Comma shape. The bungees are enclosed in streamline metal sleeves and the outer wing tips have the classic circular bumpers to ward off ground looping. It appears there is a Sopwith Tabloid parked behind #789.
Avro 504C with the top wing center section cut out and what looks like the Admiralty required vertical fin. This 504C has the blister cheeks on the cowling. The Admiralty took on its first 30 Avro 504C’s in the Summer of 1914 with serial numbers 1467-1496.
Avro 504A serial 7975 was one of 50 504A models take on strength between June and September of 1916. Most like at this point in the War it was used exclusively for pilot training. The design was idea for this role with its gentle handling characteristics, compared to earlier trainers and the added benefit of the student flying with their instructor during their formative first few hours.
An Avro 504J/K which really became the quintessential Avro 504 most people are familiar with. Note the cylindrical gravity feed fuel tank located above the top wing to feed petrol to the Le Rhone engine. The all natural linen color with only national markings of roundels and serial number on the fuselage and wings. This was the mark that trained the most number of WWI pilots.
Avro 504L (sea plane version) H3034-HMAS-Australia-being loaded onboard ship or possibly being set over the side to be launched. Center top wing cut out and gravity feed tank above the center section of the top wing.
Avro 504NH1927, Built as a 504K and later converted to an N with fixed radial engine, wider undercarriage with oleo strut suspension, under the wing fuel tanks and tapered trailing edge ailerons. The 504N was the pinnacle design of 504’s. More engine power than before, easier ground handling and better aerobatic performance than its earlier variants. The 504N was used in numerous University Training Squadrons, was used in various engine test beds and in Aircraft Carrier landing tests.
J8559 was one of the first 100 Avro 504N built. This is a great air to air picture. You can see the the oleo struts have lowered the axle and wheels to their lower stopped position compared to the fully compressed position show in the picture above.
