§ Mr. Lennox-Boydasked the Minister of Supply what commercial flying-boats are in the process of design or construction in addition to the Princess flying-boat; what are the leading particulars of such aircraft; and when is it expected that they will be put into service.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussApart from the Saunders-Roe Princess, there are no British commercial flying boats in process of design. The following types are in production:—
Short Solent. In service on B.O.A.C.'s African routes. All-up weight 78,000 lb. Four Bristol Hercules engines. Latest version has accommodation for up to 40 day passengers; payload 10,000 lb. over a still air range of 2,300 miles; cruising speed 200 m.p.h.
Short Sandringham. Civil conversion of the R.A.F. Sunderland. Four Pratt and Whitney engines. All-up weight 60,000 lb. Can carry 30 passengers for 2,100 still air miles at a cruising speed of 170 m.p.h.
Short Sealand. Small amphibian, designed to carry 5–8 passengers for stage distances of up to 450 miles at a cruising speed of 150 m.p.h. Two de Havilland Gipsy Queen engines. Likely to commence operation on British West Indian Airways' routes early in 1950.