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Supermarine Walrus (Seagull)

1935 GOLDEN AGE WORLD WAR 2

The Story of the Supermarine Walrus (Seagull)

During World War II (1939-1945), airships played a vital role in all theaters of operations. These types offer excellent range and inherent ability to land and take off on water, providing commanders and war planners with the necessary latency and "eyes in the sky".

Known for its contributions to the classic Spitfire fighter jets used during the conflict, Supermarine is also a formidable airship manufacturer and provides the UK and other countries with a steady stockpile of such aircraft - many of which are in the second The war achieved considerable success in the World War.

One of them became Supermarine "Walrus". The design emerged as a private project for Supermarine, stemming from a request by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for a relatively compact airship that could be supported by existing Australian Navy cruiser warships. Work on the aircraft, commanded by R.J. Mitchell, began in 1930, and an airworthy prototype was introduced in 1933.

The first flight was recorded on June 21 of that year, and the series was introduced in 1935. Amphibious qualities are also incorporated into the design of the aircraft, allowing the aircraft to use a prepared disengagement if necessary.

Originally known as the "Seagull", the aircraft consisted of the original production Seagull V and its all-metal fuselage (34 examples completed). Then there is the Walrus Mk. I, which retains the metal hull, followed by the Walrus Mk. II model with its wooden hull.

The basic design features a raised biplane wing assembly located on the dorsal spine of the fuselage. An engine was installed between the two planes and in the spine itself to keep it as far from the water as possible. The cockpit is layered and is located in the nose area in front of the main wing aircraft. The hull is designed like a boat to better stick to landings and takeoffs on the water.

The fuselage tapers to the rear and is topped by a circular vertical fin with a high-mounted fin. The main landing gear element (with wheels) is located on the side of the fuselage, while a lower leg is placed under the tail for land-based operation of the aircraft.

Dimensionally, the aircraft is 37.6 feet long, with a wingspan of 45.9 feet and a height of 15.2 feet. Curb weight is 5,000 lbs and maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is 8,050 lbs. Power comes from a Bristol Pegasus VI series air-cooled radial piston engine rated at 680 hp.

Top speed reaches 135 mph, range is up to 600 miles, and service is capped at 18,500 feet. The climb rate is 1,050 feet per minute.

Internally, the typical operator is three to four people. Weapons include two to three 7.7mm Vickers K machine guns. The bomb load totals 6,100 pounds of throwing weapons and may be a mix of conventional throwing or depth charges.

The Australian Air Force was the first to receive seagulls/walruses in usable quantities, this happened in 1935, and the last delivery was in 1937. The Royal Air Force (RAF) followed in 1936 as the operator. Both countries have active warship types set up on the way to war.

By the start of World War II in September 1939, the Walrus series was the mainstay of British and Commonwealth armies. As such, it immediately went into direct action, taking on roles such as maritime reconnaissance, artillery location, and search and rescue (SAR).

The Walrus aircraft is used in every major theater of operations, and it's so versatile. Production spanned from 1936 to 1944, during which time some 740 aircraft were produced.

Outside of post-war service, Walrus continued to fly into the post-war period. The list of global operators includes Argentina (military, post-war), Australia (military, civil), Canada (military, civil), Egypt (military), France (military, navy), Ireland (air force), Netherlands (civilian). ), New Zealand (military), Norway (civilian), Soviet Union (naval aviation), Turkey (military, air force) and United Kingdom (military, civilian).