SHORT G-CLASS - The Short S.25
G-class was a large transport flying-boat for commercial service with
non-stop transatlantic capability. Three ordered by Imperial Airways,
with Air Ministry subsidy in view of potential for military use. First
flight, July 21, 1939; second and third aircraft flown February 24 and
July 8, 1940. Powered by four 1,400 hp Bristol Hercules IV engines, the
Short S.26s, intended to form Imperial Airways' G-Class with names Golden
Hind, Golden Horn and Golden Fleece, were all impressed for RAF and modified
to S.26/M military configuration before delivery as X8275, X8273 and X8274
respectively. Armament comprised eight 500 Ib (227 kg) bombs under wings,
two dorsal and one tail Boulton Paul four-gun turrets and internal stowage
for flares and smoke floats. ASV radar fitted. Served with No 119 Sqn
from early 1941 and with No 10 Sqn, RAAF, flying stores to Gibraltar and
Middle East, during which X8274 was lost. Remaining two returned to civilian
status as G-AFCK and G-AFCI, used by BOAC with 40-seat layout between
UK and Nigeria. G-AFCK lost January 1943; G-AFCI on other routes in UK
and West Africa until war's end.
Max speed, 209 mph (336 kmlh).
Range, 3,200 mis (5,120 km). Empty weight, 37,705 Ib (17,100 kg). Gross
weight, 74,500 Ib (33,800 kg). Span, 134ft 4 in (40.9 m). Length, 101
ft 4 in (30.9 m). Wing area, 2,160 sqft (201 m2).
