SHORT SEAFORD -
The Short S.45 Seaford was an improved Short
Sunderland variant responding to OR. 118 (which stressed the need
for more range) and as defined by Specification R.8/42 issued at the end
of 1942. Featured lengthened hull with improved hydrodynamics; dihedral
tailplane; 1,700 hp Bristol Hercules XIX engines with four-bladed propellers,
and armament of two 20-mm cannon in Bristol B.17 dorsal turret plus 0.50-in
(12.7-mm) m/gs in nose'and tail twin-gun turrets and one in each beam
hatch, and two 0.303-in (7.7-mm) guns fixed forward-firing in nose. Two
prototypes ordered as Short Sunderland IVs; first (MZ269) flown at Rochester
on August 30, 1944, after which enlarged tailplane, taller fin and dorsal
fin fitted. Initial production order for 30 reduced to eight, all completed
post-war, with name Short Seaford.
Max speed, 242 mph (389 km/h).
Range, 3,100 mis (4,990 km). Gross weight, 75,000 Ib (34,020 kg). Span,
112 ft 9'h in (34.37 m). Length, 88ft 7 in (27.0 m).
