Bristol Blenheim

In 1938, Avro's assistance was called for yet again, when an order was placed for Bristol Blenheim Mk.I light bombers for the RAF.
This order was very timely, as it gave the company experience in stressed-skin all-metal airframes and the latest control systems that would be essential in the very near future!
The first Blenheim was completed in September 1938, and a total of 250 were completed before production continued with an order for 750 of the later Mk.IV Blanheims.
Blenheim production ended in November 1941.

(Monochrome Photograph - The first Avro-built Blenheim I ready for flight.)

The Anson story is dealt with separately, but from 1935 the Company was also heavily committed to this aircraft in addition to the sub-contracted work discussed above, and a programme of factory expansion commenced.
In 1939 land to the north of the airfield was being prepared for a vast assembly plant to be known as New Assembly, a name that stayed with it for the next 70 years!
This was in preparation for the assembly of the next generation of aircraft, the
mighty Manchester.

(Monochrome Photograph - Flight Shed line-up of Anson Is and Blenhem Is at Woodford late 1938.)