SUPERMARINE WALRUS
- Single-engined
naval reconnaissance amphibian developed during 1932 in continuation of
the Seagull family, initially to satisfy Australian requirements. Private
venture prototype (Supermarine 228) first flown June 21, 1933, as Seagull
V, marked N-l and powered by 625 hp Bristol Pegasus IIL.2P in pusher configuration.
Marked N-2 in July 1933 for tests at MAEE Felixstowe and purchased by
Air Ministry in January 1935 as K4797 with 625 hp Pegasus IIM2 engine.
Seagull V: Name used by RAAF for 24 aircraft similar to Type 228 prototype,
ordered August 1934 and built in accordance with Specification 6/34, with
625 hp Pegasus IIM2 engine. Crew of three and single Vickers 'K' 0.303-in
(7.7-mm) machine guns in bow and dorsal open cockpits. First Seagull V
flown June 25, 1935, and deliveries completed mid-1937. Served throughout
the war with No 101 Fleet Cooperation Flight (later No 5 Sqn), No 9 Sqn
and aboard RAN cruisers. Supplemented by 37 Supermarine Walrus, ex-RAF contracts,
delivered 1939-1944. Six Seagull Vs also acquired by Turkey, delivered
1938. Max speed, 125 mph (201 km/h) at 3,280 ft (1,000 m). Gross weight,
6,847 Ib (3,106 kg). Span, 46ftO in (14.02 m). Length, 38ft 0 in (11.6
m) on chassis.
Supermarine Walrus I: The Seagull V adopted for use by the FAA as a fleet general
reconnaissance amphibian. First order for 12 placed early 1935, in accordance
with Specification 2/35, and first of these (Supermarine Type 236) flown
March 18, 1936, with Pegasus IIM2 engine; 690 hp Pegasus VIP"then
adopted as standard. Subsequent aircraft produced in accordance with Specification
37/36, bringing total production by Supermarine to 281 (of which four
undelivered, probably destroyed by enemy action during assembly). Additional
production by Saro of 270 (but six not delivered) brought Mk I total to
551, plus two for Argentina in 1939. In the FAA, Supermarine Walrus Is equipped Catapult
Flights and Catapult Squadrons aboard battleships and cruisers for spotting,
aided after 1942 by addition of ASV Mk II radar on some aircraft; last
operated in this role from HMS King George V in November 1944. Also used
in training and miscellaneous support roles by some 29 second-line FAA
squadrons and by two others for air-sea rescue. Also extensively used
in latter role by 12 RAF squadrons in the UK, Mediterranean, India and
Ceylon. Ten aircraft (including one Mk II) transferred to RNZAF 1943-44
as flying-boat trainers, and 37 (including some Mk II) transferred to
RAN, 1939-44. One Mk I (and four Mk II) to RCN (plus one Mk I and two
Mk II in 1946). Max speed, 135 mph (217 km/h) at 4,750ft (1,448 m). Time
to 10,000 ft (3,050 m), 12.5 min. Rate of climb, 1,050 ftlmin (5.3 mlsec).
Service ceiling, 18,500 ft (5,639 m). Empty weight, 4,900 Ib (2,233 kg).
Gross weight, 7,200 Ib (3,266 kg). Span, 45 ft 10 in (13.97 m). Length,
37 ft 7 in (11.45 m) on chassis. Wing area, 610sqft (56.67m2).
Supermarine Walrus II: Similar to Mk I but with wooden hull and rubber-tyred tailwheel.
Two prototypes were rebuilds of Mk Is by Supermarine, with Saro-built
hulls and new serials (X1045, X1046), the first of which flew on May 2,
1940. All production by Saro, totalling 190 (of which one not delivered,
probably destroyed in enemy air raid on Cowes). Served primarily in training
role. Transfers to RNZAF, RAN and RCN (see under Mk I entry).
