Supermarine Seagull (1921)

The Supermarine Seagull of 1921 was a flying boat produced by the British aircraft manufacturer Supermarine, developed by chief designer R. J. Mitchell from the experimental Seal II. Development began in 1920 and the prototype flew for the first time in May 1921. It was evaluated for military use in June 1921 and rejected, so Supermarine developed it as a private venture, and in February 1922 the Air Ministry placed an initial order for two. Its production is believed to have helped Supermarine survive a period when the aircraft industry struggled to find customers. The Seagull was used by the Fleet Air Arm for gunnery spotting and reconnaissance and by the Royal Australian Air Force for similar duties. In the early 1930s, as the more successful Supermarine Walrus replaced it, some Seagulls were re-used for civilian purposes.