Page 17 - Dennis Ovenden

The interior of this multi-role aircraft could be adapted to train Pilots, Navigators, Wireless
Operators and Gunners.

The Avro Anson is a British twin-engine, multi-role aircraft built by the aircraft manufacturer Avro.
Large numbers of the type served in a variety of roles for the Royal Air Force (RAF), Fleet Air Arm
(FAA), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and numerous other air forces before, during, and after
the Second World War.

Initially known as the Avro 652A, the Anson was developed during the mid-1930s from the earlier
Avro 652 airliner in response to a request for tenders issued by the British Air Ministry for a
maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Having suitably impressed the Ministry, a single prototype was
ordered, which conducted its maiden flight on 24 March 1935. Following an evaluation in which the
Type 652A bettered the competing de Havilland DH.89, it was selected as the winner, leading to
Air Ministry Specification 18/35 being written around the type and an initial order for 174 aircraft
being ordered in July 1935. The Type 652A was promptly named after British
Admiral George Anson.
The type was placed into service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) and was initially used in the
envisioned maritime reconnaissance operation alongside the larger flying boats. After the outbreak
of the Second World War the Anson was soon found to have become obsolete in front line combat
roles. Large numbers of the type were instead put to use as a multi-engine aircrew trainer, having
been found to be suitable for the role, and became the mainstay of the British Commonwealth Air
Training Plan. The type continued to be used in this role throughout and after the conflict,
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remaining in RAF service as a trainer and communications aircraft until the 28 June 1968.