The Parnall Panther was a carrier based spotter and reconnaissance aircraft designed for use from British Royal Navy aircraft carriers. The first Panther N91 prototype first flew in 1917. An initial order of 300 aircraft was made, however this was reduced to 150 with the end of World War One. Parnall’s management rejected this reduction, so the contract was given to the Bristol Aeroplane Company who built all production Panthers.
Panthers served on the aircraft carriers HMS Argus and HMS Hermes. Several innovations were included in the design to improve aircrew safety in case of a water landing. Airbags were filled under the wings to improve flotation and a hydrovane was incorporated into the undercarriage to prevent nosing over during a water landing.
They served until 1926 when they were replace by Fairey IIIs. The Japanese Imperial Navy operated 12 Parnall Panthers while the US Navy acquired two.
Photos of the Parnall Panther
Prototypes
Folding Mechanism
Flotation Bags
Operational Aircraft
Japanese Panthers
US Navy Panthers
