Information about the Avro York

The story of the Avro 685 'York' started in 1941 when the Avro Chief Designer Roy Chadwick proposed a transport aircraft using the wings, tail, undercarriage and engines of the proven Lancaster bomber mated to a more capacious, square-section fuselage. When the idea was put to the Air Ministry in late 1941 they showed a great deal of interest and this led to Chadwick going ahead with the production of detailed engineering drawings in early 1942. After an extremely short design and construction phase, on July 5th 1942 the prototype (LV626) made its maiden flight.

Much debate followed over the role for the new aircraft, which was given the designation Avro 685, and the name "York". It was finally decided to produce a number of prototypes in different configurations, using two different types of Rolls-Royce engine, the Merlin and the radial Hercules. Some issues with directional stability were resolved by fitting a third, central fin, and such confidence was shown in the new design that the third prototype was built as a VIP transport for use by the Prime Minister.

After a great deal of indecision by the Ministry of Aircraft Production over the details of their
requirement, the first production Avro York was delivered at the end of 1943. By the time production ceased in 1948 over 250 of the type had been built. The aircraft saw service with a number of airlines and with the RAF, assuming a prominent role in the Berlin Airlift.

Dimensions

Span (ft & inches) - 102' 0"

Length (ft & inches) - 78' 6"

Height (ft & inches) - 16' 6"

Wing Area (sq ft) - 1,205

Weights

Tare weight (lbs) - 42,040

All-up weight (lbs) - 68,000

Performance

Maximum speed (mph) - 298

Cruising speed (mph) - 233

Initial climb (ft/min) - 820

Ceiling (feet) - 26,000

Range (miles) - 2,700