avro tudor 2 | 1 144 avro tudor

The Avro Tudor 2 represents a significant, albeit ultimately commercially unsuccessful, chapter in British aviation history. Evolving from the earlier Avro Tudor I, the Tudor 2 aimed to address the shortcomings of its predecessor and establish a dominant position in the post-World War II transatlantic passenger market. While it failed to achieve that ambition, the Avro Tudor 2, and its subsequent variants like the Tudor 5 and Tudor 7, provide valuable insights into the challenges of early jet-age aircraft design, the competitive landscape of the aviation industry, and the enduring legacy of Avro. This article delves into the intricacies of the Avro Tudor 2 series, exploring its design, development, operational history, and the factors contributing to its ultimate demise. We will also touch upon related topics, including the Avro Tudor IV (a development of the Tudor series), the Avro Tutor (a completely different aircraft), and resources for those interested in further research.

The Genesis of the Avro Tudor 2

Following the Second World War, Britain sought to re-establish itself as a leading force in civil aviation. Avro, renowned for its wartime contributions with aircraft like the Lancaster bomber, turned its attention to developing a long-range passenger aircraft. The initial result was the Avro Tudor I, based heavily on Lancaster components. However, the Tudor I was plagued with problems, including poor handling characteristics and a cramped cabin layout. It was deemed unsuitable for its intended role as a transatlantic airliner.

Recognizing these deficiencies, Avro embarked on a redesign, resulting in the Avro Tudor 2. The Tudor 2 was a significantly improved aircraft, featuring a longer fuselage to accommodate more passengers, redesigned wings for better performance, and a more refined cabin layout. It was intended to be a direct competitor to American airliners like the Douglas DC-6 and Lockheed Constellation. The Tudor 2 aimed to offer a comfortable and reliable service on long-haul routes, primarily across the Atlantic.

Design and Specifications of the Avro Tudor 2

The Avro Tudor 2 was a four-engine, high-wing monoplane with a retractable tricycle undercarriage. Here's a detailed look at its key design features and specifications:

* Fuselage: The most significant change from the Tudor I was the lengthened fuselage, providing increased passenger capacity. This allowed for a more spacious and comfortable cabin environment. The fuselage was of stressed-skin construction, using aluminum alloy.

* Wings: The wings were also redesigned, featuring a larger span and improved aerodynamics compared to the Tudor I. This resulted in better lift, range, and overall performance. The wings housed the four engines and fuel tanks.

* Engines: The Tudor 2 was powered by four Rolls-Royce Merlin engines. These were liquid-cooled, V-12 piston engines that provided ample power for long-range flight. However, the choice of piston engines, while reliable, put the Tudor 2 at a disadvantage compared to emerging jet-powered aircraft. Numerous variants were constructed with different engine installations and a succession of propeller designs were trialled to improve performance and reduce vibration.

* Undercarriage: The aircraft featured a retractable tricycle undercarriage, with two main wheels under the wings and a nose wheel. This configuration provided good ground handling and stability during takeoff and landing.

* Cabin: The Tudor 2 was designed to carry approximately 60 passengers in a pressurized cabin, offering a more comfortable flying experience at higher altitudes. The cabin layout was configurable, allowing airlines to adjust the seating arrangement to suit their specific needs.

Typical Specifications (Avro Tudor 2):

* Wingspan: 120 ft 0 in (36.58 m)

* Length: 105 ft 7 in (32.18 m)

* Height: 30 ft 0 in (9.14 m)

* Wing Area: 1,421 sq ft (132.0 m2)

* Empty Weight: 56,516 lb (25,635 kg)

* Gross Weight: 80,000 lb (36,287 kg)

* Powerplant: 4 × Rolls-Royce Merlin 102 inline piston engines, 1,770 hp (1,320 kW) each

* Maximum Speed: 316 mph (509 km/h, 275 kn)

* Cruise Speed: 235 mph (378 km/h, 204 kn)

* Range: 3,460 mi (5,570 km, 3,010 nmi)

* Service Ceiling: 30,100 ft (9,170 m)

Avro Tudor 5 and Avro Tudor 7: Further Developmentsavro tudor 2

The Avro Tudor 2 served as the foundation for further developments, most notably the Avro Tudor 5 and Avro Tudor 7.