Airfix: 1:48 Avro Anson Mk.I

The Avro Anson is a British twin-engine, low-wing aircraft of mixed construction using wood, duralumin, and canvas. The ancestor of the Anson aircraft was the Avro 652, which was created as a private venture by the Avro aircraft factories. The prototype’s first flight took place in March 1935, and the first production machines began arriving at operational units at the end of 1935 and into 1936.

In military service, the Avro Anson served as a maritime reconnaissance aircraft. On the front line, the aircraft remained in service until late 1940, after which it was withdrawn and transferred to training units. During the war, around a dozen variants of the aircraft (from Mk.I to Mk.XII) were produced, differing mainly in engine power. Production of these aircraft was also undertaken by Canada under licence.

Due to its good flight characteristics and low operating cost, the last Avro Anson machines were retired as late as 1968.

Technical data:
Top speed: 302 km/h; rate of climb: 3.5 m/s; service ceiling: 5200 m; maximum range: 1260 km; armament: fixed – 2 × 7.7 mm machine guns, underwing – up to 163 kg of bombs.