| Type 627 Mailplane | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Light transport |
| National origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | Avro |
| Status | Prototype |
| Number built | 1 |
| History | |
| First flight | 1931 |
| Developed from | Avro Antelope |
TheAvro 627 Mailplane was a Britishbiplane developed in 1931 byAvro from theAvro Antelope bomber as amail plane for use inCanada. Only one was built which ended up being used as atest bed.
TheAvro 608 Hawk was a proposed two-seaterfighter variant of theAntelope, which was planned to be powered by aBristol Jupiter radial engine. Although construction of a prototype began, it was incomplete when it was redesigned with a 540 hp (400 kW)Armstrong Siddeley Panther engine as theAvro 622.[1]
Following interest by Canadian Airways, who had a possible requirement for a mail plane,Roy Chadwick again redesigned the incomplete prototype to theAvro 627 Mailplane. This was a single-engine, single-bay biplane, powered by a 525 hp (391 kW) Panther engine and fitted for wheel or float operation. The sole prototype (G-ABJM) was certificated on 2 August 1931,[1] and was shipped to Canada for operational trials. While these trials were successful, the Canadian government cut the subsidy for civil aviation and so Canadian Airways was unable to afford new aircraft, so the mailplane was returned to England.[1]
The Mailplane was converted in 1933 to a high-speed test bed for theArmstrong Siddeley Tiger engine, the revised aircraft being known as theAvro 654.[1]
On return from Canada, the Mailplane was entered in the 1932King's Cup Race, where it recorded the fastest speed of 176 mph (283 km/h),[2] although owing to the handicap system, it came 29th.[1]
After conversion to the Avro 654, the aircraft operational life was short, it being dismantled atWoodford Aerodrome in 1934.[2]
Data from Avro Aircraft since 1908[1]
General characteristics
Performance
Related development
