Avro

the long version

"AVRO -- The History of an Aircraft Company. The story os A. V. Roe & Company Limited (Avro) started within a short time of man's conquest of the air when very few believed in the potential of the flying machine. It was in 1906 when Alliott Verdon Roe patented a design for a mechanically driven aeroplane and his biplane was the first heavier-than-air machine to leave the ground in Britain. Although his excursions were only classed as 'hops,' Roe continued with his quest to fly and made enormous strides in the science of aviation before going on to form the company which bore his name in 1910. The Avro name remained in the forefront of aeronautical progress until it disappeared in 1963 after being absorbed into Hawker Siddeley Aviation. Over 35,000 aeroplanes wer produced bearing the name Avro and the fine reputation of the company was renowned throughout the world...From small beginnings A. V. Roe & Company Limited became one of the world's largest and most respected aircraft manufacturers. This is the story." --Inside front book cover.