The Short S.25 Sunderland is a British flying boat patrol bomber, developed and constructed by Short Brothers for the Royal Air Force (RAF). The aircraft took its service name from the town (latterly, city) and port of Sunderland in North East England.

Derived from the pre-war Empire flying-boat, the Sunderland became a legend in World War II as the main patrol flying-boat of British Commonwealth forces. It was tough and reliable, performing just about any maritime task including U-boat hunting, air-sea rescue and transport.

Dec 28, 2024 · The Short Sunderland was a British flying boat and one of the most iconic maritime patrol aircraft of World War II. It was designed and built by Short Brothers, entering service in 1938, and remained operational in various roles until the 1960s.

Jun 28, 2020 · The large, graceful Sunderland was among World War II’s best flying boats. Because it bristled with armament, the Germans regarded it as the “Flying Porcupine.” The advent of successful Short Empire C-class flying boats in 1933 persuaded the British Air Ministry to consider its adoption for military purposes.

It entered service in June 1938 and was the first British flying boat to have power-operated gun turrets as part of its defensive armament. This strong protective armament resulted in the Germans giving it the nickname ‘Flying Porcupine’.

Apr 25, 2022 · The Short S.25 Sunderland was a British flying boat patrol bomber was developed for the Royal Air Force (RAF) in parallel with the civilian S.23 Empire flying boat.

Sep 2, 2023 · The Sunderland was a direct descendant of the Short Empire C class seaplanes of the 30s. A flying boat was developed under factory designation S.25 which could, based on the experience with the Empire aircrat, count on an immediate order of 21 units in March 1936.

One of the answers to this dilemma was found in the Short Sunderland flying-boat, a truly remarkable aircraft and mechanical wonder in many respects. It had great endurance, and carried the latest anti-submarine detection equipment and specialized sea-war weaponry.

This “Flying Porcupine” didn’t just strike fear into the hearts of enemy submarines but also plucked stranded airmen from perilous waters, embodying a beacon of hope amid the turmoil of war. Key Takeaways. The Short Sunderland excelled in sea minesweeping operations, ensuring safer naval passages.

The Short S.25 Sunderland was a British flying boat patrol bomber developed for the Royal Air Force (RAF) by Short Brothers. Based in part upon the S.23 'Empire' flying boat, the flagship of Imperial Airways , the S.25 was extensively re-engineered for military service.