SUPERMARINE STRANRAER
- An improved
general reconnaissance flying-boat developed from the Southampton (initially
as the Supermarine Type 227, Southampton V) to meet requirements of Specification
R. 24/31. Prototype flown July 27, 1934, and production of 17 Supermarine Stranraer
Is to Specification 17/35 ordered in 1935. Powered by two 920 hp Bristol
Pegasus X engines, the Supermarine Stranraers (as Supermarine Type 304) carried a
crew of five and an armament of three 0.303-in (7.7-mm) machine guns in
bow, midships and tail positions plus 1,000 Ib (484 kg) of bombs underwing.
Deliveries began April 1937 and service use with four squadrons, of which
Nos 209 and 240 flew the type operationally from UK bases until spring
1941. Training use with No 4 OTU continued until late 1942.
Canadian Supermarine Stranraer: In November 1936, RCAF placed an order with Canadian
Vickers Ltd for licence production of the Supermarine Stranraer, eventually buying
40 of a version almost identical with RAF Supermarine Stranraer I. Deliveries were
spread from late 1938 to late 1941, with 835 hp Pegasus XXIIs in later
aircraft. Service use with eight RCAF squadrons, initially with No 2 Sqn
which flew patrols out of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, starting September 10,
1939. Served later in training role, continuing until 1944.
Max speed, 165 mph (266 kmlh).
Time to 20,000 ft (6,096 m), 37.6 min. Service ceiling, 20,000 ft (6,096
m). Range, 1,140 mis (1,834 km). Empty weight, 12,534 Ib (5,690 kg). Gross
weight, 19,900 Ib (9,035 kg). Span, 85 ft 0 in (25.81 m). Length, 54 ft
6 in (16.61 m). Wing area, 1,457sq ft (135.35m').
