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Hello everyone, and welcome to this new suggestion.
Today, I am presenting a little-known aircraft that served with the French Navy after the Second World War: the Avro 652 Anson Mk.I.
Developed in the mid-1930s by the British company Avro, the Anson was initially designed as a maritime reconnaissance aircraft before becoming one of the most widely used training aircraft of the war. Entering service with the Royal Air Force in 1936, this twin-engine aircraft quickly proved to be reliable, easy to fly, and well suited to pilot training. Produced in more than 11,000 examples and in numerous variants, the Anson served with many Allied air forces throughout and after the conflict. The version used by French forces was the Anson Mk.I, the original reconnaissance and training model.
At the end of the Second World War, the French Navy faced a significant shortage of aircraft. Years of occupation and the destruction of much of the French aviation industry had left the Aéronautique Navale with limited resources, while the need to train a new generation of pilots was becoming increasingly urgent. Since domestic aircraft production had not yet returned to normal levels, the Admiralty turned to British surplus aircraft to fill the gap.
Among the aircraft selected was the Avro Anson. Beginning in 1946, several examples were delivered to French naval aviation units, notably the training squadrons 50S, 52S, and 56S. These aircraft were distributed among various air stations and were primarily employed for advanced pilot training, navigation exercises, radio training, and liaison duties. On occasion, they also carried out light patrol and reconnaissance missions, taking advantage of the aircraft’s good endurance and stable flight characteristics.
Unfortunately, very little documentation remains concerning the operational career of French Ansons, and the exact number operated by the Navy is still uncertain. Their service appears to have been relatively discreet, overshadowed by the arrival of newer aircraft in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Nevertheless, the Avro Anson played an important transitional role, helping the French Naval Air Arm rebuild its training capabilities during a critical period.
Characteristics
Length : 12.88 m
Width : 17.22 m
Height : 3.99 m
Mass :
- Empty : 2 438 kg
- Full : 3 629 kg
The aircraft is powered by two Armstrong Cheetah engines, each producing 335 hp, allowing it to reach a top speed of 303 km/h and a service ceiling of 5,800 m. Its range at a cruising speed of 254 km/h is 1,060 km. The crew consists of 3 to 4 personnel, including at least one pilot and a rear gunner.
Weapons
The aircraft’s armament is very light, yet it still allows for defense against certain threats and the engagement of light targets.
Defensive armament:
- 1 x 7.7mm Vickers machine gun (dorsal turret)
Offensive armament:
- 1 x 7.7mm Vickers machine gun (fixed, forward-firing)
- 160 kg of bombs (2 x 100 lb or 8 x 20 lb)
In the game, this aircraft would be an interesting addition to the French low-BR tree, offering a light patrol plane capable of defending itself without being overpowered, thanks to its limited payload.
Pictures
