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{{Short description|A British multi-engined biplane flying boat}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2017}} {{Use British English|date=March 2017}}
<!-- This article is a part of ]. Please see ] for recommended layout. --> <!-- This article is a part of ]. Please see ] for recommended layout. -->
{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin {{Infobox aircraft
|name = Singapore |name = Singapore
|image = Aircraft of the Royal Air Force 1939-1945- Short S.19 Singapore CH2556.jpg |image = Aircraft of the Royal Air Force 1939-1945- Short S.19 Singapore CH2556.jpg
|caption = Singapore Mark III, K8565 ‘Q’. |caption = Singapore Mark III, K8565 'Q'. of No. 4 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit, April 1941
}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
|type = Military flying boat |type = Military flying boat
|manufacturer = ] |manufacturer = ]
|designer = |designer =
|first flight = 17 August 1926 (Mk.I) 15 June 1934 (Mk.III) |first_flight = 17 August 1926 (Mk.I) 15 June 1934 (Mk.III)
|introduced = 1935 |introduction = 1935
|retired = Retired by RAF in 1941, last flight flown by RNZAF in 1942 |retired = Retired by RAF in 1941, last flight flown by RNZAF in 1942
|status = Phased out of service |status = Phased out of service
|primary user = ] |primary_user = ]
|more users = ] |more_users = ]
|produced = 1934–1937 |produced = 1934–1937
|number built = 37 |number_built = 37
|unit cost = |unit cost =
|developed from = ] |developed_from = ]
|variants with their own articles = |variants =
}} }}
|}


The '''Short Singapore''' was a ] multi-engined ] ] built after the ]. The design was developed into two four-engined versions: the prototype '''Singapore II''' and production '''Singapore III'''. The latter became the ]'s main long-range ] flying boat of the 1930s and saw service against the Japanese with the ] during the ]. The '''Short Singapore''' was a British multi-engined ] ] built after the ]. The design was developed into two four-engined versions: the prototype '''Singapore II''' and production '''Singapore III'''. The latter became the ]'s main long-range ] flying boat of the 1930s and saw service against the Japanese with the ] during the ].


==Design and development== ==Design and development==
] engines and ] auto-slots on the upper wings.]] ] engines and ] auto-slots on the upper wings.]]
The first prototype of the ''] Singapore'', also known as the '''Short S.5''' (] '''Singapore I'''), was a metal hull version of the wooden-hulled ].<ref name="Barnes p198">Barnes 1967, p. 198.</ref> The biplane design included a single fin and rudder, and was originally powered by two ] IIIA {{convert|650|hp|lk=on}} engines.<ref name="London p98-9">London 2003, pp. 98–99.</ref> Its maiden flight was made from ] on 17 August 1926, piloted by Short's ] ]. The type did not enter production, but was used by Sir ] for a survey flight around ]. Registered ''G-EBUP'', it left Rochester on 17 November 1927 and arrived at the ] on 30 March 1928, returning to Rochester on 4 June 1928. It was displayed at the ] in July 1929. The first prototype of the ] Singapore, also known as the '''Short S.5''' (] '''Singapore I'''), was a metal hull version of the wooden-hulled ].<ref name="Barnes p198">{{Harvnb|Barnes|1967|p=198}}</ref> The biplane design included a single fin and rudder, and was originally powered by two ] IIIA {{convert|650|hp|lk=on}} engines.<ref name="London p98-9">{{Harvnb|London|2003|pp=98–99}}</ref> Its maiden flight was made from ] on 17 August 1926, piloted by Short's ] ].<ref name="AE39p44">{{Harvnb|Green|Swanborough|1989|p=44}}</ref> The type did not enter production, but was used by Sir ] for a survey flight around ]. Registered ''G-EBUP'', it left Rochester on 17 November 1927 and arrived at the ] on 30 March 1928, returning to Rochester on 4 June 1928. It was displayed at the ] in July 1929.
] ]
The '''Singapore II''' (manufacturer's designation '''Short S.12''') which followed was a development of the Singapore I with four engines, mounted in ]/] pairs (better known as the ]). The single example of this aircraft to be built was first flown on 27 March 1930, also by John Lankester Parker. The '''Singapore II''' (manufacturer's designation '''Short S.12''') which followed was a development of the Singapore I with four engines, mounted in tandem ]/] pairs (also known as the ]). The single example of this aircraft to be built was first flown on 27 March 1930, also by John Lankester Parker.


From the Singapore II came a design with four engines and triple fins. In 1933 the British ] ordered four flying boats based on the Singapore II for trials with squadrons under ]. These would be followed by a further production order to specification R.14/34. These aircraft, the '''Singapore III''' (manufacturer's designation '''Short S.19'''), had all-metal hulls and fabric-covered metal flying surfaces. They were powered by four {{convert|675|hp|abbr=on}} ] IX mounted between the wings in two tandem push-pull pairs, similar to the Singapore IIs. The crew of six was located in a central cabin and fore, aft, and midships open gun positions (] or ]). A long-range fuel tank could be carried externally on the dorsal hull. The first Singapore III flew on 15 June 1934. Although obsolescent by the time the first aircraft entered service with ] in January 1935, the type arrived just in time to benefit from the arms race of the late 1930s and 37 were built. Production terminated in June 1937. From the Singapore II came a design with four engines and triple fins. In 1933 the British ] ordered four flying boats based on the Singapore II for trials with squadrons under ]. These would be followed by a further production order to specification R.14/34. These aircraft, the '''Singapore III''' (manufacturer's designation '''Short S.19'''), had all-metal hulls and fabric-covered metal flying surfaces. They were powered by four {{convert|675|hp|abbr=on}} ] IX mounted between the wings in two tandem push-pull pairs, similar to the Singapore IIs. The crew of six was located in a central cabin and fore, aft, and midships open gun positions (] or ]). A long-range fuel tank could be carried externally on the dorsal hull. The first Singapore III flew on 15 June 1934. Although obsolescent by the time the first aircraft entered service with ] in January 1935, the type arrived just in time to benefit from the arms race of the late 1930s and 37 were built. Production terminated in June 1937.
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] was the first squadron equipped with Singapore IIIs. It was posted to ] in 1935. During 1937 the Singapores of ] and 210 Squadron moved from ] in Malta to ] as part of an international effort to prevent ] during the ]. ] was the first squadron equipped with Singapore IIIs. It was posted to ] in 1935. During 1937 the Singapores of ] and 210 Squadron moved from ] in Malta to ] as part of an international effort to prevent ] during the ].


Replacement of the Singapore with the ] was well underway by the outbreak of the ]. However, 19 survivors saw limited service in secondary theatres, mainly in a training role. The last RAF unit operating the type was ] in, appropriately enough, ] which relinquished its aircraft in October 1941. Four 205 squadron aircraft found their way to ] in ], for use against German raiders. When Japan attacked in December, the ] aircraft found themselves in the front line. They accounted for a Japanese submarine and conducted several air-sea rescues before being replaced by the ]s from ] in April 1943.<ref>Darby 1978, p. 20.</ref> Replacement of the Singapore with the ] was well underway by the outbreak of the ]. However, 19 survivors saw limited service in secondary theatres, mainly in a training role. The last RAF unit operating the type was ] in ] which relinquished its aircraft in October 1941. Four 205 squadron aircraft found their way to ] in ], for use against German raiders. When Japan attacked in December, the ] aircraft found themselves in the front line. They accounted for a Japanese submarine and conducted several air-sea rescues before being replaced by the ]s from ] in April 1943.<ref>{{Harvnb|Darby|1978|p=20}}</ref>


==Survivors== ==Survivors==
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;{{NZL}} ;{{NZL}}
*] *]
**]<ref>{{cite web |last=Prince |first=Ivan |title=New Zealand Military Aircraft Serial Numbers: Short Singapore Mk III |url=http://www.adf-serials.com/nz-serials/nzsingapore.htm |work=www.adf-serials.com |accessdate=26 March 2011}}</ref> (four aircraft transferred from 205 Squadron Royal Air Force from October 1941) **]<ref>{{cite web |last=Prince |first=Ivan |title=New Zealand Military Aircraft Serial Numbers: Short Singapore Mk III |url=http://www.adf-serials.com/nz-serials/nzsingapore.htm |work=adf-serials.com |access-date=26 March 2011}}</ref> (four aircraft transferred from 205 Squadron Royal Air Force from October 1941)
;{{UK}} ;{{UK}}
*]<ref>Jefford 2001, p. 177.</ref> *]<ref>{{Harvnb|Jefford|2001|p=177}}</ref>
**] **] Singapore III based at Pembroke Dock and Iraq (1935-1940)
**] **] Singapore III based at Singapore (1935-1941)
**] **] Singapore III based at (mostly) Felixstowe (1932 - 1939)
**] **] Singapore III based at Pembroke Dock (1934-1938)
**] **] Singapore III based at Pembroke Dock (1937)
**] **] Singapore III based at Pembroke Dock, Egypt , then Singapore and Ceylon (1935-1938)
**] **] Singapore III based at Calshot (1938-1939)


==Accidents and incidents==
==Specifications (Singapore III to R.14/34)==
* 15 February 1935 - Singapore III ''K3595'' crashed in the ] mountain range near ], Sicily in poor visibility. All on board were killed - eight RAF personnel and a civilian Senior Technical Officer of the ].{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} The aircraft was one of four that had departed from the United Kingdom four weeks earlier for delivery to ], based in ].<ref name="flight1935-01-17">{{cite journal |date=21 February 1935 |title=A NOTEWORTHY RAT. TLIGHT BEGINS Four Short " Singapores " of No. 210 (F.B.) Squadron Leave Pembroke Dock for the Far East to Re-equip No. 205 (F.B.) Squadron |journal=] |volume=XXVII|id=No. 1360 |pages=62 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1935/1935%20-%200406.html |access-date=10 October 2019 }}</ref> However the flight had been repeatedly delayed by engine trouble and illness among the crew. One of the victims of the crash was Flight Lieutenant Henry Longfield Beatty, the half-brother of The First Sea Lord ].{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} They were buried at ], Malta.<ref name="flight1935-02-21">{{cite journal |date=21 February 1935 |title=The Royal Air Force: Service Notes and News|journal=] |volume=XXVII|id=No. 1365 |pages=204 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1935/1935%20-%200406.html |access-date=10 October 2019 }}</ref>
{{Aircraft specifications
* 2 February 1937 - Singapore III ''K3594'' crashed during take-off from ], Singapore. One pilot was killed, the other five crew were injured. The aircraft was written-off.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=209005 |title=Accident Short Singapore Mk III K3594, 02 Feb 1937 |last=Ranter |first=Harro |website=aviation-safety.net |access-date=11 October 2019}}</ref>
|plane or copter?=plane
* 8 August 1939 - Singapore III ''K4584'' of ] struck a sea-wall during take-off from ], Alexandria, Egypt; two were killed and seven injured, one of whom later died from his injuries. The aircraft caught fire and was written-off. One of those injured in the accident was Squadron Leader ] (later Air-Vice Marshal)<ref name="flight1937-08-17">{{cite journal |date=17 August 1937 |title=Service Aviation:Royal Air Force and Official Announcements : Fleet Air Arm News : Military Aviation Abroad |journal=] |pages=161 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1935/1935%20-%200406.html |access-date=10 October 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=208556 |title=Accident Short Singapore Mk III K4584, 08 Aug 1939 |last=Ranter |first=Harro |website=aviation-safety.net |access-date=11 October 2019}}</ref>
|jet or prop?=prop

|ref=Singapore: Short's Last Biplane Boat<ref name ="AE39">Green and Swanborough 1989, pp. 43–50.</ref>
==Specifications (Singapore III)==
|crew=six
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Singapore: Short's Last Biplane Boat<ref name="AE39p47">{{Harvnb|Green|Swanborough|1989|p=47}}</ref>
|prime units?=imp
<!--
General characteristics
-->
|genhide=

|crew=6–7<ref name="Greenv5p92">{{Harvnb|Green|1968|p=92}}</ref>
|capacity= |capacity=
|payload main= |length m=
|length ft=64
|payload alt=
|length main= 64 ft 2 in |length in=2
|span m=
|length alt=19.56 m
|span main=90 ft |span ft=90
|span alt=27.43 m |span in=0
|height m=
|span sweep= 5 degrees
|height main=23 ft 7 in |height ft=23
|height alt= 7.19 m |height in=6
|area main= 1,465 sq ft |wing area sqm=
|area alt= 136.1 m² |wing area sqft=1465
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil= |airfoil=
|empty weight main= 20,364 lb |empty weight kg=
|empty weight alt= 9,237 |empty weight lb=20364
|loaded weight main= 28,160 lb |empty weight note=
|loaded weight alt= 12,773 kg |gross weight kg=
|gross weight lb=28160
|useful load main=
|gross weight note=(normal weight)
|useful load alt=
|max takeoff weight main= 32,390 lb |max takeoff weight lb=32390
|max takeoff weight alt= 14,692 kg |max takeoff weight note=(max overload)
|fuel capacity={{convert|786|impgal|USgal L|abbr=on}} normal, {{convert|1266|impgal|USgal L|abbr=on}} overload
|more general= |more general=
<!--
|engine (prop)=] VIII/IX
Powerplant
|type of prop=piston (pusher/tractor configuration)
-->
|number of props=4
|eng1 number=4
|power main= 675 hp
|eng1 name=] VIII/IX
|power alt=503 kW
|eng1 type=liquid-cooled ]s (tandem configuration)
|power original=
|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|max speed main= 136 mph
|eng1 hp=610<!-- prop engines -->
|max speed alt=118 knots, 219 km/h
|eng1 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
|max speed more= (at 5,000 ft and normal weight)
|power original=(derated) - at {{convert|4500|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|cruise speed main= 123 mph

|cruise speed alt=107 knots, 198 km/h
|prop blade number=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|stall speed main=
|prop name=
|stall speed alt=
|prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|never exceed speed main=
|prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|never exceed speed alt=
|prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|range main= 1,000 mi<ref name="London p262-3">London 2003, pp. 262–263.</ref>
|prop note=
|range alt=870 ], 1,610 km
<!--
|endurance=6 hours 15 minutes
Performance
|ceiling main= 15,000 ft
-->
|ceiling alt= 4,570 m
|perfhide=
|climb rate main= 700 ft/min

|climb rate alt= 3.6 m/s
|max speed kmh=
|loading main=
|max speed mph=136
|loading alt=
|max speed kts=
|thrust/weight=
|max speed note=at {{convert|5000|ft|m|-1|abbr=on}} and normal weight
|power/mass main=
|cruise speed kmh=<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|power/mass alt=
|cruise speed mph=104
|cruise speed note=(econ. cruise, max weight)

|range km=
|range miles=1000
|range note=<ref name="London p262-3">{{harvnb|London|2003|pp=262–263}}</ref>
|combat range km=
|endurance=11.9 hr (at econ cruise)
|ceiling m=
|ceiling ft=14800
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin=
|time to altitude=7 min to {{convert|5000|ft|m|-1|abbr=on}}
|lift to drag=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|more performance= |more performance=
<!--
|guns= Up to three ] ]
Armament
|bombs= Up to {{convert|1100|lb|lk=on}} of bombs under wings.
-->
|guns= 3× ] ] in nose, waist and tail positions
|bombs= Up to {{convert|1100|lb|lk=on}} of bombs under wings
|avionics= |avionics=
}} }}
Line 139: Line 172:
* ] * ]
*] *]
*] *]
|see also= |see also=
}} }}
Line 148: Line 181:
;Bibliography ;Bibliography
{{refbegin}} {{refbegin}}
* Barnes, C.H. ''Shorts Aircraft since 1900''. London: Putnam, 1967. * {{cite book |last=Barnes |first=C.H. |title=Shorts Aircraft since 1900 |year=1967 |publisher=Putnam |location=London }}
* Barnes, C.H. and Derek N. James. ''Shorts Aircraft since 1900''. London: Putnam, 1989. {{ISBN|0-85177-819-4}}. * {{cite book |last1=Barnes |first1=C. H. |last2=James |first2=Derek N. |title=Shorts Aircraft since 1900 |year=1989 |publisher=Putnam |location=London |isbn=0-85177-819-4 }}
* Darby, Charles. ''RNZAF: The First Decade, 1937–46''. Dandenong, Melbourne, Australia: Kookaburra Technical Publications Pty Ltd., 1978. {{ISBN|0-85880-031-4}}. * {{cite book |last=Darby |first=Charles |title=RNZAF: The First Decade, 1937–46 |year=1978 |publisher=Kookaburra Technical Publications Pty Ltd. |location=Dandenong, Melbourne, Australia |isbn=0-85880-031-4 }}
* ]. ''Warplanes of the Second World War, Volume five: Flying Boats''. London: Macdonald & Co. (Publishers) Ltd., 1962 (Fifth impression 1972). {{ISBN|0-356-01449-5}}. * {{cite book |last=Green |first=William |author-link=William Green (author) |title=Warplanes of the Second World War, Volume Five: Flying Boats |year=1968 |publisher=Macdonald & Co. (Publishers) Ltd. |location=London |isbn=0-356-01449-5 }}.
* Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. "Singapore: Short's Last Biplane Boat". '']'', Thirty-nine, May–August 1989. Bromley, Kent, UK:Tri-Service Press. pp.&nbsp;43–50. ISSN 0143-5450. * {{cite magazine |last1=Green |first1=William |last2=Swanborough |first2=Gordon |title=Singapore: Short's Last Biplane Boat |magazine=] |date=May–August 1989 |issue=39 |pages=43–50 |issn=0143-5450 }}
* Jefford, ] C.G., ], BA, RAF(Retd). ''RAF Squadrons: A Comprehensive Record of the Movement and Equipment of All RAF Squadrons and their Antecendents Since 1912''. Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK: Airlife Publishing Ltd., 1998 (2nd edition 2001). {{ISBN|1-84037-141-2}}. * {{cite book |last=Jefford |first= C. G. |title=RAF Squadrons: A Comprehensive Record of the Movement and Equipment of All RAF Squadrons and their Antecendents Since 1912 |year=2001 |publisher=Airlife Publishing Ltd. |location= Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK |isbn=1-84037-141-2 }}
* London, Peter. ''British Flying Boats''. Stroud, UK: Sutton Publishing, 2003. {{ISBN|0-7509-2695-3}}. * {{cite book |last=London |first=Peter |title=British Flying Boats |year=2003 |publisher=Sutton Publishing |location=Stroud, UK |isbn=0-7509-2695-3 }}
{{refend}} {{refend}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category}} {{Commons category}}
* {{cite web|last=Teeuwen |first=Jaap |title=British Aircraft of World War II |url=http://www.jaapteeuwen.com/ww2aircraft/html%20pages/SHORT%20S19%20SINGAPORE%20III.htm |work=www.jaapteeuwen.com |accessdate=25 March 2011 |deadurl=unfit |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007204753/http://www.jaapteeuwen.com/ww2aircraft/html%20pages/SHORT%20S19%20SINGAPORE%20III.htm |archivedate=7 October 2007 }} * {{cite web|last=Teeuwen |first=Jaap |title=British Aircraft of World War II |url=http://www.jaapteeuwen.com/ww2aircraft/html%20pages/SHORT%20S19%20SINGAPORE%20III.htm |work=jaapteeuwen.com |access-date=25 March 2011 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007204753/http://www.jaapteeuwen.com/ww2aircraft/html%20pages/SHORT%20S19%20SINGAPORE%20III.htm |archive-date=7 October 2007 }}


{{Short Brothers aircraft}} {{Short Brothers aircraft}}


] ]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 00:08, 10 September 2024

A British multi-engined biplane flying boat

Singapore
Singapore Mark III, K8565 'Q'. of No. 4 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit, April 1941
General information
TypeMilitary flying boat
ManufacturerShort Brothers
StatusPhased out of service
Primary usersRoyal Air Force Royal New Zealand Air Force
Number built37
History
Manufactured1934–1937
Introduction date1935
First flight17 August 1926 (Mk.I) 15 June 1934 (Mk.III)
RetiredRetired by RAF in 1941, last flight flown by RNZAF in 1942
Developed fromShort Cromarty

The Short Singapore was a British multi-engined biplane flying boat built after the First World War. The design was developed into two four-engined versions: the prototype Singapore II and production Singapore III. The latter became the Royal Air Force's main long-range maritime patrol flying boat of the 1930s and saw service against the Japanese with the Royal New Zealand Air Force during the Second World War.

Design and development

Short Singapore I prototype (N179) in its final form, with Rolls-Royce H.10 Buzzard engines and Handley Page auto-slots on the upper wings.

The first prototype of the Short Singapore, also known as the Short S.5 (military designation Singapore I), was a metal hull version of the wooden-hulled Short Cromarty. The biplane design included a single fin and rudder, and was originally powered by two Rolls-Royce Condor IIIA 650 horsepower (480 kW) engines. Its maiden flight was made from Rochester on 17 August 1926, piloted by Short's Chief Test Pilot John Lankester Parker. The type did not enter production, but was used by Sir Alan Cobham for a survey flight around Africa. Registered G-EBUP, it left Rochester on 17 November 1927 and arrived at the Cape on 30 March 1928, returning to Rochester on 4 June 1928. It was displayed at the Olympia in July 1929.

Short Singapore II prototype (N246) early in its development, with four engines, single tail, open cockpit and no ailerons on the lower wings.

The Singapore II (manufacturer's designation Short S.12) which followed was a development of the Singapore I with four engines, mounted in tandem tractor/pusher pairs (also known as the push-pull configuration). The single example of this aircraft to be built was first flown on 27 March 1930, also by John Lankester Parker.

From the Singapore II came a design with four engines and triple fins. In 1933 the British Air Ministry ordered four flying boats based on the Singapore II for trials with squadrons under specification R.3/33. These would be followed by a further production order to specification R.14/34. These aircraft, the Singapore III (manufacturer's designation Short S.19), had all-metal hulls and fabric-covered metal flying surfaces. They were powered by four 675 hp (503 kW) Rolls-Royce Kestrel IX mounted between the wings in two tandem push-pull pairs, similar to the Singapore IIs. The crew of six was located in a central cabin and fore, aft, and midships open gun positions (Vickers machine gun or Lewis gun). A long-range fuel tank could be carried externally on the dorsal hull. The first Singapore III flew on 15 June 1934. Although obsolescent by the time the first aircraft entered service with 210 Squadron in January 1935, the type arrived just in time to benefit from the arms race of the late 1930s and 37 were built. Production terminated in June 1937.

Operational history

Short Singapore III flying boat of 230 Squadron at Alexandria, mid-1930s.

230 Squadron was the first squadron equipped with Singapore IIIs. It was posted to Alexandria in 1935. During 1937 the Singapores of 209 Squadron and 210 Squadron moved from RAF Kalafrana in Malta to Algeria as part of an international effort to prevent gun running during the Spanish Civil War.

Replacement of the Singapore with the Short Sunderland was well underway by the outbreak of the Second World War. However, 19 survivors saw limited service in secondary theatres, mainly in a training role. The last RAF unit operating the type was No. 205 Squadron RAF in Singapore which relinquished its aircraft in October 1941. Four 205 squadron aircraft found their way to No. 5 Squadron RNZAF in Fiji, for use against German raiders. When Japan attacked in December, the New Zealand aircraft found themselves in the front line. They accounted for a Japanese submarine and conducted several air-sea rescues before being replaced by the Consolidated Catalinas from No. 6 Squadron RNZAF in April 1943.

Survivors

None are known to have survived.

Variants

Short S.5 / Singapore I
First design aircraft powered by two Rolls-Royce Condor IIIA engines (665 hp), one aircraft built.
Short S.12 / Singapore II
A development of the Singapore I powered by four engines, single example built.
Short S.19 / Singapore III
A development of the Singapore II powered by four Rolls-Royce Kestrel IX engines and equipped with triple fins. 37 were built.

Operators

Short Singapore III flying boat of 205 Squadron, in flight below three 'vic' formations of Vickers Vildebeest torpedo bombers of 100 Squadron. Both units were based at RAF Seletar.
 New Zealand
 United Kingdom

Accidents and incidents

  • 15 February 1935 - Singapore III K3595 crashed in the Peloritani mountain range near Messina, Sicily in poor visibility. All on board were killed - eight RAF personnel and a civilian Senior Technical Officer of the Royal Aircraft Establishment. The aircraft was one of four that had departed from the United Kingdom four weeks earlier for delivery to No. 205 Squadron RAF, based in Singapore. However the flight had been repeatedly delayed by engine trouble and illness among the crew. One of the victims of the crash was Flight Lieutenant Henry Longfield Beatty, the half-brother of The First Sea Lord David Beatty, 1st Earl Beatty. They were buried at Capuccini Naval Cemetery, Malta.
  • 2 February 1937 - Singapore III K3594 crashed during take-off from RAF Seletar, Singapore. One pilot was killed, the other five crew were injured. The aircraft was written-off.
  • 8 August 1939 - Singapore III K4584 of No. 203 Squadron RAF struck a sea-wall during take-off from RAF Aboukir, Alexandria, Egypt; two were killed and seven injured, one of whom later died from his injuries. The aircraft caught fire and was written-off. One of those injured in the accident was Squadron Leader James Scarlett-Streatfeild (later Air-Vice Marshal)

Specifications (Singapore III)

Data from Singapore: Short's Last Biplane Boat

General characteristics

  • Crew: 6–7
  • Length: 64 ft 2 in (19.56 m)
  • Wingspan: 90 ft 0 in (27.43 m)
  • Height: 23 ft 6 in (7.16 m)
  • Wing area: 1,465 sq ft (136.1 m)
  • Empty weight: 20,364 lb (9,237 kg)
  • Gross weight: 28,160 lb (12,773 kg) (normal weight)
  • Max takeoff weight: 32,390 lb (14,692 kg) (max overload)
  • Fuel capacity: 786 imp gal (944 US gal; 3,570 L) normal, 1,266 imp gal (1,520 US gal; 5,760 L) overload
  • Powerplant: 4 × Rolls-Royce Kestrel VIII/IX liquid-cooled V12 engines (tandem configuration), 610 hp (450 kW) (derated) - at 4,500 ft (1,400 m) each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 136 mph (219 km/h, 118 kn) at 5,000 ft (1,520 m) and normal weight
  • Cruise speed: 104 mph (167 km/h, 90 kn) (econ. cruise, max weight)
  • Range: 1,000 mi (1,600 km, 870 nmi)
  • Endurance: 11.9 hr (at econ cruise)
  • Service ceiling: 14,800 ft (4,500 m)
  • Time to altitude: 7 min to 5,000 ft (1,520 m)

Armament

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

Notes
  1. Barnes 1967, p. 198
  2. London 2003, pp. 98–99
  3. Green & Swanborough 1989, p. 44
  4. Darby 1978, p. 20
  5. Prince, Ivan. "New Zealand Military Aircraft Serial Numbers: Short Singapore Mk III". adf-serials.com. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
  6. Jefford 2001, p. 177
  7. "A NOTEWORTHY RAT. TLIGHT BEGINS Four Short " Singapores " of No. 210 (F.B.) Squadron Leave Pembroke Dock for the Far East to Re-equip No. 205 (F.B.) Squadron". Flight. XXVII: 62. 21 February 1935. No. 1360. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  8. "The Royal Air Force: Service Notes and News". Flight. XXVII: 204. 21 February 1935. No. 1365. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  9. Ranter, Harro. "Accident Short Singapore Mk III K3594, 02 Feb 1937". aviation-safety.net. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
  10. "Service Aviation:Royal Air Force and Official Announcements : Fleet Air Arm News : Military Aviation Abroad". Flight: 161. 17 August 1937. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  11. Ranter, Harro. "Accident Short Singapore Mk III K4584, 08 Aug 1939". aviation-safety.net. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
  12. Green & Swanborough 1989, p. 47
  13. Green 1968, p. 92
  14. London 2003, pp. 262–263
Bibliography
  • Barnes, C.H. (1967). Shorts Aircraft since 1900. London: Putnam.
  • Barnes, C. H.; James, Derek N. (1989). Shorts Aircraft since 1900. London: Putnam. ISBN 0-85177-819-4.
  • Darby, Charles (1978). RNZAF: The First Decade, 1937–46. Dandenong, Melbourne, Australia: Kookaburra Technical Publications Pty Ltd. ISBN 0-85880-031-4.
  • Green, William (1968). Warplanes of the Second World War, Volume Five: Flying Boats. London: Macdonald & Co. (Publishers) Ltd. ISBN 0-356-01449-5..
  • Green, William; Swanborough, Gordon (May–August 1989). "Singapore: Short's Last Biplane Boat". Air Enthusiast. No. 39. pp. 43–50. ISSN 0143-5450.
  • Jefford, C. G. (2001). RAF Squadrons: A Comprehensive Record of the Movement and Equipment of All RAF Squadrons and their Antecendents Since 1912. Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK: Airlife Publishing Ltd. ISBN 1-84037-141-2.
  • London, Peter (2003). British Flying Boats. Stroud, UK: Sutton Publishing. ISBN 0-7509-2695-3.

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