Avro 504

The Avro 504 developed directly from the E500 machine. It moved rapidly into production, first flying 18 September 1913. The Avro 504, two-seater biplane, it’s equal-span wings balanced the fuselage, whose box-girder body blended into to the circular housing for the 80 HP Gnome rotary engine.

The 504K version had adapters, which allowed the installation of several different types of rotary engines. This aircraft had an undistinguished combat career, but it proved to be an excellent trainer. 

The AVRO 504 had the distinction of being the first Allied aircraft shot down in battle, and it made the first bombing run over Germany. As early as November 1914, three 504s carried out a ‘mass’ bombing raid on German airship construction sheds at Friedrichshafen. In 1915 the Avro was adapted for training duties and remained in this role until the late 1920’s.

Production totalled 8,970 and continued for almost twenty years.

Pitts S-1 Special

Small and powerful with extremely high performance, particularly with respect to both aileron-roll rate and snap-roll rate. The Pitts Special S-1 is regularly used in all competition categories in both national and world contests.