Short S8 Calcutta

In 1926 Imperial Airways ordered two Short S.8 Calcutta three-engined biplane flying boats to be powered by 540 hp (403 kW) Bristol Jupiter XI radial engines. The design of the Calcutta, which accommodated 15 passengers, was based closely on the military Singapore I, and when these aircraft were delivered to Imperial Airways in the late summer of 1928 they were the first stressed-skin metal hull flying boats to enter commercial service. Production for Imperial Airways totalled five, and Short Brothers built one other for the French government. A manufacturing licence was negotiated with Breguet, this company developing from the Calcutta the very similar Breguet 521 Bizerte.

Design Company:

Short Brothers (Rochester & Bedford) Ltd

First Flight:

14 February 1928

Calcutta:

7 - Shorts, Rochester

Type Specification

Applies to:

Short S.8 Calcutta

Type:

Commercial flying boat

Wing:

Unequal span, unstaggered, two bay biplane. Metal, covered with fabric. Ailerons fitted to upper planes

Hull:

Metal hull, mounted below lower wing, with two step hull

Tail Unit:

Braced monoplane type mounted part way up the single fin and balanced rudder. Unbalanced elevators

Landing Gear:

None

Power Plant:

Three 550 hp Bristol Jupiter IXF mounted between the wings in tractor configuration

Accommodation:

Two pilot in open cockpit in nose with radio operator in cabin behind. 15 passengers in cabin

Dimensions

Span:

93 ft

Length:

66 ft

Height:

Unknown

Wing Area:

1,825 sq ft

Weights

Empty:

13,845 lb

All-up:

22,500 lb

Performance

Max Speed:

118 mph

Ceiling:

13,500 ft

Range:

650 miles
Crew: 2
Passengers: 15
Cost: £18,000