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| - The Sunderland is a rare type of military aeroplane — one that was derived from a civil aircraft. Based upon the Short C Class “Empire” flying boats operated by Imperial Airways in the 1930s, the Short “Sunderland” became one of the Royal Air Force’s longest serving operational aircraft over the next two decades. One of the finest flying boats ever built, during World War ll the Sunderland played a decisive role in the defeat of German U—boats in the Battle of the Atlantic. Although the first flight of the prototype Sunderland took place in October 1937, the Air Ministry was already familiar with the aircraft‘s successful civilian counterpart, and had placed an order in March the preceding year. At the end of 1940 the Mk ll was introduced, with four Pegasus XVIII engines with two-stage superchargers, a twin-gun dorsal turret, an improved rear turret and ASV (air-to-surface-vessel) Mk ll radar. The most numerous version was the Mk III that first flew in December 1941. This variant had a modified hull for improved planing when taking off. This was followed by a larger and heavier version designated the Mk lV/Seaford. After evaluation by the RAF, the project of the flying boat was abandoned. The Sunderland Mk V was the final version, and made its appearance at the end of 1943. It was powered by four 1200 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1830-90 Twin Wasp engines and carried ASV Mk VI radar. By the end of the final production run in 1945 a total of 739 Sunderlands had been built, and after World War ll, many continued to serve with the British, French, Australian, South African and New Zealand air forces. A total of 749 Sunderlands were built between 1937 and 1946.
- The Short S.25 Sunderland was a British flying boat patrol bomber developed for the Royal Air Force (RAF) by Short Brothers. It took its service name from the town (latterly, city) and port of Sunderland in northeast England. Based in part upon the S.23 Empire flying boat, the flagship of Imperial Airways, the S.25 was extensively re-engineered for military service. It was one of the most powerful and widely used flying boats throughout the Second World War, and was involved in countering the threat posed by German U-boats in the Battle of the Atlantic. RAF Sunderlands also saw service throughout the Korean War and continued in service until 1959. It also took part in the Berlin airlift. Sunderlands remained in service with the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) until 1967. Sunderlands converted for civil use, known as Short Sandringhams, continued in airline operation until 1974. A single airworthy example remains on display in Florida.
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