The Avro 504A was the first mass-produced model, from serial 2890 onwards. It held the same 80hp Gnome engine of the previous model but it had the wings ailerons reduced and the bracing struts enlarged. In order to improve the visibility, the lower wing was raised 30cm from the fuselage. The airplanes destined to the RFC were equipped with reconnaissance and observation tools, while those destined to the RNAS were equipped with bombing apparels, however as they soon were outdated for the frontlines, they were relegated to the flying schools. Some of them were converted by Avro with double controls.
The Avro 504B was version specifically designed for the RNAS which appeared first on 1915. It had a distinctive longer vertical stabilizer a bigger wingspan ailerons and some small modifications in order to improve the visibility. Those modifications were adopted by every model destined to the RNAS so the 504B was the first airplane to receive a fixed vertical stabilizer, just like the RAF Be.2c. . Some initial production versions were affected by a light recess but it was quickly corrected. In some later versions, in order to install a scarf ring on the upper wing for the installation of machine-gun, the places of the pilot and the observer were reversed. It still was powered by the 80hp Gnome engine but some later models were powered by a Gnome-Le Rhône delivering also 80hp. Some 504B were employed at the front lines in the Dunkirk area but they retired in the summer of 1916.
Avro 504CAs the range of the 504B wasn't enough for reconnaissance versions or to chase zeppelins, the RNAS ordered a single-seat version and this way the front cockpit was removed and replaced by an addittional fuel tank in order to keep the airplane flying for eight hours. This way the pilot seated in the original rear cockpit encountering the original lateral recess that was present in some original 504Bs. It was powered by the same 80hp Gnome engine and both wings and wingspan were identical to the 504B and, to shot down zeppelins, a single 0.303in Lewis Mk.II was fitted in a 45º angle degree firing through a gap in the upper wing.
The Avro 504D was identical to the 504, designed for the RFC but with the same vertical stabilizer of the A version. It was also powered by the 80hp Gnome engine and the 0.303 Lewis machine-gun was placed on the upper wing mounted in a scarf ring.
Sources:
1. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avro_504 (translated)
2. Salamander Books - The Complete Book of Fighters
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