Airco

Airco was an early British aviation company, generally understood as the Aircraft Manufacturing Company. Founded by George Holt Thomas in 1912, it was involved in the design and manufacture of aircraft and aero engines. During the First World War, Airco worked with designer Geoffrey de Havilland and his team and produced aircraft including the DH.4, DH.9 and DH.10 for reconnaissance, bombing and training roles. After the war, the sharp decline in military demand weakened the company, and it was sold to the Birmingham Small Arms Company around 1920. Airco's original aircraft business did not continue as a long-lived brand, although some of its personnel, technology and operations influenced later British aviation companies, including de Havilland Aircraft. Because “Airco” can also refer to other air-conditioning or industrial businesses, this entry treats it as the British early aircraft manufacturer based on the supplied aerospace-OEM classification.

Airco was founded in 1912 by George Holt Thomas and became one of Britain's early specialist aircraft manufacturers. It operated aircraft production activities in Hendon, London, and developed an important relationship with aircraft designer Geoffrey de Havilland and his team. During the First World War, growing military demand helped Airco expand production and become a significant participant in Britain's aircraft industry. The DH.4 was used mainly for reconnaissance and light bombing, while the DH.9 followed from wartime requirements and the DH.10 Amiens represented the company's work on twin-engined bombers. Airco also produced aero engines and consequently maintained a relatively broad aviation manufacturing operation. After the war ended in 1918, military orders fell sharply, creating substantial operational and financial pressure. Around 1920, Airco was sold to the Birmingham Small Arms Company, but the integration did not result in Airco continuing as a major independent aircraft brand. Some of its engineers and technical resources later contributed to the development of other British aviation businesses, giving Airco an important transitional role in British aviation history.

1. 1920
2. 1918
3. 1912

• Airco DH.4

  The DH.4 was a two-seat aircraft produced by Airco during the First World War, primarily for reconnaissance and light bombing. It was one of the company's most representative aircraft and reflected Airco's collaboration with Geoffrey de Havilland's design team.

• Airco DH.9

  The DH.9 was a later military aircraft in the DH series, used for reconnaissance and bombing missions. It was operated by several air forces during the later part of the First World War and the early postwar period and formed an important part of Airco's military production.

• Airco DH.10 Amiens

  The DH.10 Amiens was a twin-engined bomber developed by Airco for Britain's wartime requirement for longer-range bombing aircraft. The programme showed the company's move from single-engined reconnaissance and light-bomber designs toward larger twin-engined aircraft.