The Avro Type H, Type 501, and Type 503 were a family of early British military seaplanes. They were a development of the Avro 500 design and were originally conceived of as amphibious, the prototype being fitted with a single large main float (equipped with wheels) under the fuselage, and two outrigger floats under the wings.
| 501 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Military utility seaplane |
| National origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | Avro |
| First flight | January 1913 |
| Number built | 1 – 501 4 – 503 |
Tests were conducted on Windermere in January 1913. It was later converted to a twin-float configuration and bought by the British Admiralty. It now, however, proved too heavy and was converted again – this time to a landplane.[1]
An improved version, designated the 503, was demonstrated to the Inspector of Naval Aircraft, who placed an order for three machines. The prototype itself was demonstrated for the Imperial German Navy in its seaplane trials in June 1913 and was purchased by the government of the German Empire for evaluation purposes. This machine subsequently became the first aircraft to fly across the North Sea, from WilhelmshaventoHeligoland, in September 1913. Gotha purchased a licence from Avro and produced the type as the WD.1 (Wasser Doppeldecker – "Water Biplane").[1]
German Empire
United Kingdom
TurkeyData from Avro Aircraft since 1908[3]
General characteristics
Performance
Related lists
