<p>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.
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<p>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.