In RAF hands the Avro Anson undertook a wide variety of roles, including coastal patrol. However, the type is best remembered as a utility transport and trainer. In order to satisfy the huge demand for the type in the latter role, Federal Aircraft Ltd was established in Canada to produce the type, marshaling the efforts of several manufacturers. The first Canadian-built version was the Anson Mk II, which featured the Jacobs L-6BM engine in place of the Armstrong-Siddeley Cheetah, and was completed with a molded plywood nose which incorporated a bombardier position, plus hydraulically retracting flaps and undercarriage.
Of the 1,832 Anson Mk IIs produced, 50 were supplied to the USAAF as the Federal AT-20, and were used as crew trainers for the bomber force.
Specification
Federal—AT-20
Type:three/five-seat bomber crew trainerPowerplant:two Jacobs L-6BM radial piston engines, each rated at 330 hpPerformance:maximum speed 178 mph; service ceiling 19,000 ft; range 790 milesWeights:empty 5,375 lb; maximum take-off 8,000 lbDimensions:wing span 56 ft 5 in; length 42 ft 3 in; height 13 ft 1 in; wing area 410 sq ft