Supermarine Stranraer: Difference between revisions
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Following the initial flight-test programme, the Stranraer prototype (''K3973'') was delivered to the RAF on 24 October 1934. On 29 August 1935, an initial order was placed for 17 aircraft (''K7287'' to ''K7303'') to the production specification 17/35. |
Following the initial flight-test programme, the Stranraer prototype (''K3973'') was delivered to the RAF on 24 October 1934. On 29 August 1935, an initial order was placed for 17 aircraft (''K7287'' to ''K7303'') to the production specification 17/35. |
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[[Image:Supermarine Stranraer ExCC.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Supermarine Stranraer]] |
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==Operational history== |
==Operational history== |
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The production version was fitted with the 920 hp Pegasus X and first flew in December 1936, entering service operations on 16 April 1937; the last Stranraer was delivered 3 April 1939. An additional order for six aircraft (''K9676'' to ''K9681'') was placed in May 1936, but subsequently cancelled. In service, the Stranraer was sometimes referred to as a "''whistling shithouse''". It drew this derisive nickname because the [[toilet]] opened out directly to the air and when the seat was lifted, the airflow caused the toilet to [[whistle]]. |
The production version was fitted with the 920 hp Pegasus X and first flew in December 1936, entering service operations on 16 April 1937; the last Stranraer was delivered 3 April 1939. An additional order for six aircraft (''K9676'' to ''K9681'') was placed in May 1936, but subsequently cancelled. In service, the Stranraer was sometimes referred to as a "''whistling shithouse''". It drew this derisive nickname because the [[toilet]] opened out directly to the air and when the seat was lifted, the airflow caused the toilet to [[whistle]]. |
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Revision as of 18:37, 13 March 2008
The Supermarine Stranraer was a 1930s British flying boat which marked the end of biplane flying-boat development for the Royal Air Force. They entered service in 1937 and many were still in service at the outbreak of the Second World War undertaking anti-submarine and convoy escort patrols. They were withdrawn from operational service in March 1941 but continued to serve in a training capacity until October 1942.
Design and development
Designed by R. J. Mitchell as a tender to Air Ministry R.24/31 Specification for a coastal reconnaissance flying boat for the RAF, it was initially turned down but Supermarine proceeded with the type as a private venture first known as the Southampton V. A contract was placed in 1933 for a prototype powered by two 820 hp Bristol Pegasus IIIM and the type became known as the Stranraer.
The structure was mainly duralumin, with the hull covered with sheet metal and the wings with fabric.
Following the initial flight-test programme, the Stranraer prototype (K3973) was delivered to the RAF on 24 October 1934. On 29 August 1935, an initial order was placed for 17 aircraft (K7287 to K7303) to the production specification 17/35.
Operational history
The production version was fitted with the 920 hp Pegasus X and first flew in December 1936, entering service operations on 16 April 1937; the last Stranraer was delivered 3 April 1939. An additional order for six aircraft (K9676 to K9681) was placed in May 1936, but subsequently cancelled. In service, the Stranraer was sometimes referred to as a "whistling shithouse". It drew this derisive nickname because the toilet opened out directly to the air and when the seat was lifted, the airflow caused the toilet to whistle.
A total of 40 Stranraers were built in Canada by Canadian Vickers Limited, serving with the RCAF until 1945. Some units passed into civilian use after the war; notably several Stranraers saw service with Queen Charlotte Airlines in British Columbia, Canada.
Operators
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Specifications (Stranraer)
General characteristics
- Crew: 6-7
Performance
Armament
- 3 × 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Lewis guns
- 1,000 lb (454 kg) of bombs or depth charges
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References
Notes
Bibliography
- Andrews, C.F. and Morgan, E.B. Supermarine Aircraft Since 1914. London: Putnam Books Ltd., 2nd revised edition 2003. ISBN 0-851-77800-3.
- Kightly, James and Wallsgrove, Roger. Supermarine Walrus & Stranraer. Sandomierz, Poland/Redbourn, UK: Mushroom Model Publications, 2004. ISBN 83-917178-9-5.
- Taylor, John W.R. "Supermarine Stranraer." Combat Aircraft of the World from 1909 to the present. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1969. ISBN 0-425-03633-2.
- Thetford, Owen. British Naval Aircraft Since 1912, Fourth Edition. London: Putnam, 1978. ISBN 0-370-30021-1.