A2 Supermarine Seagull V (Walrus)

Designed specifically for use on RAN cruisers, the Seagull V (known as the Walrus in British service) was first flown in June 1933. Twenty-four aircraft were originally ordered for Australian service, serialed A2-1 to 24.

Of these aircraft, eleven were lost, including nine in crashes and two due to enemy action (one from HMAS Sydney and A2-2 issued to HMNZS Achilles). A further 37 machines were delivered to the RAAF during World War II and these aircraft retained their British serial numbers. Seagull V and Walrus aircraft were operated by Nos 5 and 9 Squadrons of the RAAF, and aboard HMA Ships Australia, Sydney, Hobart, Perth and Canberra.

In 1947, Walrus HD874 joined the tank-landing ship HMAS Labuan for the first Antarctic expedition since World War II. The amphibian was wrecked in a gale at Heard Island in December 1947 and lay there for forty years until recovered and brought to Point Cook for restoration to display condition.

The aircraft rejoiced in two nicknames, "Shagbat" and "Steam Pigeon".

TECHINCAL DATA: Supermarine Seagull V

DESCRIPTION:

Three-seat air-sea rescue and patrol amphibian.

OTHER ROLES:

Reconnaissance

POWER PLANT:

One 775 hp Bristol Pegasus VI 9-cylinder radial engine

WEIGHTS:

Empty 2223 kg (4900 lb); loaded 3583 kg (7900 lb).

DIMENSIONS:

Wingspan 13.97 m (45 ft 10 in); Length 11.45 m (37 ft 7 in); Height 4.65 m (15 ft 3 in).

PERFORMANCE

: Max speed 217 km/h (117 kt); Cruise 153 km/h (83 kt); Service Ceiling 18,500 feet (5,639 m); Range 965 km (521 nm).

ARMAMENT:

2 x 0.303 in machine guns (Lewis or Vickers K); Bomb Load - up to eight 9 kg light bombs. Back to top

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