The Short Sunderland is a British long range flying boat developed from the civilian Short Empire airliner and used by the Royal Air Force from 1938 through the Second World War and beyond, chiefly for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare over the Atlantic. Its heavy defensive armament earned it the nickname Flying Porcupine among German aircrews, and it remained in service with several air forces into the 1950s.
Facts
SignificanceGerman aircrews nicknamed the Sunderland the Flying Porcupine because of its heavy defensive armament. 1 Manufacturer or Builder Connections
Sources
1. Short Sunderland, Wikipedia
Sunderland Mark I section
The RAF received its first Sunderland Mark I in June 1938 when the second production aircraft (L2159) was flown to 230 Squadron at RAF Seletar, Singapore.
Lead section
The Short S.25 Sunderland is a British flying boat patrol bomber, developed and constructed by Short Brothers for the Royal Air Force (RAF).
Second World War section
The Germans are reputed to have nicknamed the Sunderland the Fliegendes Stachelschwein ("Flying Porcupine") due to its defensive firepower.
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