Saro London
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| Saro London | ||
|---|---|---|
| Description | ||
| Role | Reconnaissance flying-boat | |
| Crew | 5 | |
| First Flight | March, 1934 | |
| Entered Service | 1936 | |
| Manufacturer | Saunders-Roe Ltd | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 56 ft 6 in | 17.2 m |
| Wingspan (upper) | 80 ft 0 in | 24.4 m |
| Wingspan (lower) | 56 ft 0 in | 17.0 m |
| Height | 18 ft 9 in | 5.7 m |
| Wing area | 1,425 ft² | 132.4 m² |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | 11,100 lb | 5,030 kg |
| Loaded | 18,400 lb | 8,340 kg |
| Maximum takeoff | 22,000 lb | 9,980 kg |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engine | 2 × Bristol Pegasus X | |
| Power (each) | 915 hp | 680 kW |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 155 mph @ 6,250 ft | 249 km/h @ 1,900 m |
| Combat range | 1,100 miles | 1,770 km |
| Ferry range | 1,740 miles | 2,800 km |
| Service ceiling | 13,300 ft | 4,050 m |
| Rate of climb | 1,180 ft/min | 360 m/min |
| Armament | ||
| Guns | 3 × Lewis guns | |
| Bombs | 2,000 lb (900 kg) of bombs, mines or depth charges | |
The Saunders Roe London was a British military biplane flying boat built by the Saunders Roe company. 31 were built, entering service with the Royal Air Force in 1936. Although due for replacement by the oubreak of World War II, they saw some active service pending the introduction of the ultimately unsuccessful Lerwick.
Contents |
[edit] History
The A27 London was designed in response to the Air Ministry Specification R24/31 issued for a "General Purpose Open Sea Patrol Flying Boat" and was based on the Saro A.7 Severn.
In 1938 five Londons were equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks for a cruise to Australia to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the State of New South Wales. In this configuration they had a range of 2,600 miles (4,180 km).
The London was still in service at the start of the Second World War with No. 201 No. 202, and No. 240 squadrons. In 1941 they were replaced by the Consolidated Catalina and some were transferred to Canadian service.
[edit] Production and variants
- Prototype
- 1 only
- London Mk I
- Ten built with the 820 hp Pegasus III engines and two bladed propellers. Later converted to Mk II.
- London Mk II
- 20 built with the 915 hp Pegasus X engine and four bladed propeller.
[edit] Operators
[edit] External links
| Related content | |
|---|---|
| Related development | |
| Similar aircraft | Supermarine Stranraer - Supermarine Walrus |
| Designation series |
A17 Cutty Sark - A19 Cloud - A21 Windhover - A27 London - A29 Cloud - A33 - A36 Lerwick |
| Related lists | List of aircraft of the RAF |
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