Supermarine Scapa

The Supermarine Scapa was a British general reconnaissance flying boat built by Supermarine and used by the Royal Air Force between 1935 and 1939. After the experiment of the three-engined Nanok, chief designer R. J. Mitchell chose to build on the hull of the twin-engined Southampton, and a prototype designated the Southampton IV had a hull that exceeded expectations in tests. An Air Ministry specification arrived in November 1931, and the prototype first flew on 8 July 1932 with the name Scapa. It had an all-metal hull, metal-framed wings and tail covered in fabric, two Rolls-Royce Kestrel V12 engines in nacelles under the upper wing, and three gun positions. Fifteen were built before production changed to the more powerful Supermarine Stranraer, which the Scapa formed the basis of. It served with Nos. 202, 204, 228 and 240 Squadrons.