The only specimen of the Supermarine Air Yacht ever built, moving over the water in 1930. The photograph shows the craft running slowly prior to gathering speed and taking off.[1]
Role
Luxury transport flying boat
Type of aircraft
National origin
United Kingdom
Manufacturer
Supermarine Aviation Works
Designer
R. J. Mitchell
First flight
February 1930
Introduction
1930
Primary user
Private ownership
Produced
1930
Number built
1
The Supermarine Air Yacht was a British luxury passenger-carrying flying boat. It was designed by Supermarine's chief designer R. J. Mitchell and built in Woolston, Southampton in 1929. It was commissioned by the brewing magnate Ernest Guinness, and was the first British flying yacht built to the order of a private owner. Only one machine was built.
The Air Yacht was intended to cover 2,000 miles (3,200 km) without re-fuelling, with a cruising speed of 100 miles per hour (160 km/h). It resembled the Dornier Do J, with the rectangular flat-sided wing spanning 92 feet (28 m) and held high above the fuselage. The three engines were mounted on the leading edge of the wing, and the single braced tailplane had three vertical fins and rudders. The interior was fitted in a luxurious fashion, with an enclosed cabin for the owner, and a separate cabin for five other passengers.
It first flew in February 1930, before undergoing trials the following year at Felixstowe. During the trials it handled well, but was underpowered and climbed poorly; the three engines were subsequently replaced with Armstrong Siddeley Panthers. Guinness refused to complete the purchase, and the plane was put into storage. In October 1932 it was bought by a local wealthy American, Mrs June Jewett James. Soon afterwards it left England for Egypt, but stormy weather forced it to land off Cherbourg, and the crew, along with James and her fellow passengers, were rescued. On 25 January 1933 engine failure caused the plane to ditch into the Gulf of Naples, causing several injuries. The airplane was recovered and impounded by the Italian authorities, but was too damaged to be repaired, and was sold for scrap.
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