In July 1913, the Brit AV. Roe (Avro) Corp. Tested its first model 504 aircraft, and many variants followed — based on the kind of engine installed. The 504K version had adapters, which authorized the installation of many differing kinds of rotary engines. This aircraft had an ordinary combat career, but it proved to be a superb tutor and after America entered in the World War I, it took many months to build the coaching facilities required by the U.S.
Armed forces Air Service. In the meantime, many American student pilots went abroad for flight training and those were sent to Great Britain learned the Avro 504K tutor before advancing the fight aircraft.
The U.S. Army Air Service ultimately established its main coaching center at Issoudun, France, and in July 1918, the North American Expeditionary Force (AEF) chiefs ordered 52 Avro 504K aircraft for teaching aerobatics at Issoudun. After the war, the regiment Air Service brought some Avro 504K aircraft back to the U. S. , and they stayed in coaching service for a couple of years. Using original parts, the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Aircraft Upkeep & Development Unit built the aircraft on display in 1966-1967 with a 110-hp Le Rhone J rotary engine. It turned up at the nation’s Museum of the U.S. In May 2003 Air Force, and it is painted to represent one of the 52 Avro 504K aerobatic trainers used at the AEF.
