Seafire and Sea Otter

Seafire and Sea Otter

Photo 1 is a port side ground view of a Seafire.
Photo 2 is a port side ground view of a Sea Otter biplane seaplane.

Two b/w photographs on an album page

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[Photograph]

Supermarine Seafire.
Due to the success of the Hurricane as a carrier-borne fighter it was decided to produce a naval version of the Spitfire. One Spitfire Mk VB was converted to prove the concept, & this paved the way for 538 conversions with the Merlin 45/46 as the Seafire. Following on from this programme the Seafire Mk III with folding wings for full carrier capability was produced. 1250 Mark III’s being produced in total.

[Photograph]

Supermarine Sea Otter.
Originally names the Stingray, the Sea Otter had the twin distinction of being the last bi-plane amphibian produced by Supermarine, & also the last bi-plane to serve operationally with the Fleet Air Arm. The Sea Otter was a development of the Walrus & first flew in September 1938. Powered by Bristol Perseus V1 radial engine. The Pegasus was replaced by a Mercury engine, & because of this development was slow & the Sea Otter did not enter service until November 1944. 290 were built.