Supermarine Seagull V A2-1 being launched from HMAS Canberra

Supermarine Seagull V

Supermarine Seagull V

The Supermarine Seagull V was initially developed as a private venture in response to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) request for an observation seaplane to be catapult-launched from cruisers. The Seagull V resembled the proceeding Supermarine Seagull III in general layout. Although construction commenced in 1930, the aircraft was delayed by more pressing projects and the first Seagull V did not fly until June 1933.

The prototypes was initially marked as N-1 but this was later changed to N-2 (as there was already an aircraft with this registration). The Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment at Felixstowe undertook trials on behalf of the RAAF from Royal Navy ships (HMS Valiant and HMS Repulse).

The RAAF ordered 24 Seagull Vs which were delivered in 1935 and 1936. They were used as spotter aircraft from the Royal Australian Navy cruisers and land bases. Post-World War Two, several Seagulls were sold into the civilian market where they operated into the 1960s. The primary civilian operator was Amphibious Airways of Rabaul, which operated four aircraft.

The RAF also ordered the aircraft, but renamed it the Walrus.

Prototype

A2-1

A2-2

A2-3

A2-4

A2-5

A2-6

A2-7

A2-8

A2-9

A2-10

A2-11

A2-12

A2-13

A2-14

A2-15

A2-16

A2-17

A2-18

A2-19

A2-20

A2-21

A2-22

A2-23

A2-24

HMAS Australia

HMAS Canberra

HMAS Perth

HMAS Sydney