Supermarine Stranraer
The Supermarine Stranraer marked the end of biplane flying-boat development for the Royal Air Force. Built to Air Ministry specification R.24/31, they entered service on April 16, 1937. Many were still in service at the outbreak of the Second World War and flew anti-submarine and convoy escort patrols. They were withdrawn from operational service in March 1941, but continued to serve in a training capacity until October 1942.
The structure was mainly duralumin, with the hull covered with sheet metal and the wings with fabric. 17 Stranraers were built in Britain and 40 in Canada, serving with the RCAF until 1945. Some units passed into civilian use after the war; notably several Stranraers saw service with the Queen Charlotte Airlines in British Columbia, Canada.
Specifications (Stranraer)
General characteristics
- Crew: 6-7
Performance
Armament
- 3× 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Lewis guns
- 1,000 lb (454 kg) of bombs or depth charges
Trivia
The Stranraer was sometimes referred to as a "whistling shithouse". It drew this name because the toilet opened out directly to the air, and when the seat was lifted, the airflow caused the toilet to whistle.
Operators
- Canada.
- RCAF.
- United Kingdom.
- RAF.
Related content
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Saro London Related lists List of aircraft of the RAF