Take a look at the Short Sunderland MK V Flying Boat, showcased at the MOTAT Museum in Auckland, New Zealand. The Sunderland was primarily developed by the British to address the German submarine threat in the Atlantic Ocean. As the war progressed, its role expanded to include hunting Japanese submarines in the Pacific.
In terms of technical specifications, the Sunderland is powered by four Pratt & Whitney Wasp engines. Noteworthy features include a unique bomb rack designed to roll in and out for loading, and radar stations concealed beneath each wing for anti-submarine patrols.
The video explains the aircraft's operational bases, primary at Hobsonville and internationally at Laucala Bay in Suva, detailing how its hydrodynamic hull design facilitated water landings and takeoffs, adapting to varying water conditions. The Sunderland's armament comprised several 7.7 mm machine guns positioned in turrets and fuselage ports, enhancing its defensive capabilities. The aircraft's design and massive scale, with a 34-meter wingspan and weighing 16 tonnes, were pivotal in its effectiveness in maritime patrol and search and rescue missions post-WWII.
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26 июн 2024
