Short S.8 Calcutta

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The Short Calcutta or S.8 was a flying boat made by Short Brothers.

The prototype made its first flight on February 21, 1924. It had three Bristol Jupiter engines and bi-plane wings. The two pilots flew the plane from an open cockpit while the radio operator shared the main cabin with the 15 passengers. The Calcutta was introduced in 1928 and was used by Imperial Airways flying the Mediterranean to Karachi leg of the Britain to India route.

A total of six aircraft were built. It was powered by three 507 hp. Bristol Jupiter XI engines with a maximum speed of 118 mph, and a cruising speed of 97 mph. Its maximum takeoff load was 22,487 lb., with a range of 646 miles, and a ceiling of 24,856 ft. It had a wingspan of 92 ft. 8 in., a length 67 ft., a height 23 ft. 6 in. It carried a crew of 4 to 5 and as many as 15 passengers.

Originally known as the Calcutta (Service type), a military version of the Calcutta was built as the Short Rangoon.