The Avro Anson



The Avro Anson

The Avro Anson had the distinction of being the first monoplane in service with the RAF.
Originally designed as a six passenger commercial aircraft in the early 1930's, its merit as
a general reconnaissance aircraft for Coastal Command was quickly noted by the British
Air Ministry.
The Anson entered service in 1936 and proved itself to be a reliable design. At the
outbreak of hostilities, three years later, theAvro 652 Anson was found to be obsolete in its
primary role (it was replaced by the Lockheed Hudson).
Retirement from combat meant employment as a trainer. The Avro Anson quickly became
the backbone of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP), as a multi-engined
trainer and light utility transport.
In total, over 11,000 Anson were built, and many postwar versions continued to be used
until recently by both military and civilian companies around the world.

Canadian Warplane Heritage