The York transport aircraft was developed from the Lancaster bomber. The original prototype first flew in July 1942. The type was intended as an interim transport, pending completion of newer types designed primarily for transport duties. To expedite production the York was designed to incorporate the wings, engines, landing gear and tail unit of the Lancaster. A radically new all-metal square-section large capacity fuselage was introduced. The first prototype was converted to the one-off Mk 2 York, with Bristol Hercules radial engines; and the third prototype Ascalon became Churchill's wartime transport. Production by Avro during 1945-48 included 208 for the world trunk routes of RAF Transport Command. Civil Yorks were built for BOAC (25), British South American Airways (12), Flota Aerea Mercante Argentina (5) and Skyways (3). One additional York was built by Victory Aircraft, Canada.

Yorks of BOAC, independent operators and the RAF flew 3,000 hours during the Berlin Airlift of 1948-49. RAF and BOAC Yorks were withdrawn from service in 1957. Surplus Yorks were used by airlines in the Near East, South Africa and Canada and by the French Navy.

3-View

A three-view drawing (800 x 676)