The Avro 504K, was the most produced milatary aircraft, designated as a Fighert Bomber, it later took on the role as a training aircraft.
Originally designed for private flying, it was soon obsolete as a frontline aircraft, it came into its own as a trainer, with thousands being built during the war, with the major production types being the 504J and the mass production 504K, designed with modified engine bearers to accommodate a range of engines to cope with engine shortages. 8,340 Avro 504s had been produced by the end of 1918.
Relevance
- In Service: The RNAS used four 504s to form a special flight to bomb the Zeppelin works at Friedrichshafen on the shores of Lake Constance. Three set out from Belfort in north-eastern France on 21 November 1914, carrying four 20 lb (9 kg) bombs each.
While one aircraft was shot down, the raid was successful, with several direct hits on the airship sheds and the destruction of the hydrogen generating plant.
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Needle Point The Order has become very aware of technological developments having an outcome in battles. Owing to this, they convince the RNAS to send a flight to destroy the Hydrogen works required for the Zeppelin Air Ships. While only three aircraft are provided, they make it through to their objective, and the mission is a success.