Short Seaford

The Seaford had its roots in the Short Sunderland Mk IV which was designed around Specification R.8/42, issued in 1942, which called for a more reliable powerful and armed flying boat to operate in the Pacific theatre of war. However the new Sunderland variant was so different from its predecessors it became known as the Seaford. Other major changes to the aircraft included strengthen wings and an increase in length by 3ft 3in. The first of two ordered prototypes flew for the first time on the 30th August 1944 and was powered by four 1,680-hp Bristol Hercules XVIII engines.

An order for 40 Seafords was placed with four 1,720-hp Bristol Hercules XIX engines powering the aircraft. Top speed was 242 mph, range 3,100 miles with a service ceiling of 13,000 ft. Armament consisted of two 20mm cannons located in the dorsal turret, two 0.50-in machine-guns located either side of the fuselage, two 0.50-in machine-guns located in the rear, two 0.50-in machine-guns located in the bow, two 0.303-in machine-guns located in the nose and 2,000lb bombs.

The Short Seaford was then sent to No. 201 Squadron who, in conjunction with the Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment, during April and May 1946 carried out operational trials, although these would be cancelled and the eight Seafords already produced would be acquired by the British Overseas Airways Corporation and renamed Short Solent and converted into passenger aircraft.

Only ten aircraft were built and the type would not enter operational service.