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Shorts S. 20 Mercury G-ADHJ
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Shorts S. 20 Mercury G-ADHJ
Shorts S.20 Mercury G-ADHJ of Imperial Airways Major Robert H. Mayo, the Technical General Manager at Imperial Airways, proposed mounting a small, long-range seaplane on top of a larger carrier aircraft, using the combined power of both to bring the smaller aircraft to operational height, at which time the two aircraft would separate, the carrier aircraft returning to base while the other flew on to its destination. Date: circa 1938
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Media ID 21131373
© The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans
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In this intriguing image from the 1930s, we see a proposal for an innovative aviation solution by Major Robert H. Mayo of Imperial Airways. The photograph depicts a Shorts S.20 Mercury G-ADHJ seaplane atop a larger carrier aircraft. Mayo's vision was to utilize the combined power of both aircraft to bring the smaller seaplane to operational height. Once airborne, the two aircraft would part ways, with the carrier aircraft returning to base while the Mercury continued its journey to its destination. The Shorts S.20 Mercury G-ADHJ was a long-range seaplane, designed for transatlantic flights. Its adoption for this daring experiment showcases the pioneering spirit of the aviation industry during the 1930s. The thirties, a period of significant advancements in aviation technology, saw numerous innovations and record-breaking achievements. The idea of using a carrier aircraft to launch another plane was not a new concept. However, the unique aspect of this proposal was the integration of a seaplane on a land-based carrier aircraft. This approach aimed to address the challenges of launching heavy seaplanes from water, which required extensive infrastructure and resources. The success of this experiment could have revolutionized the aviation industry, making long-range seaplane travel more accessible and efficient. Despite the potential, there is no record of this specific proposal being implemented. However, it serves as a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of the pioneers in the field of aviation during the 1930s. This photograph, from the Mary Evans Picture Library, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of aviation history and the groundbreaking ideas that shaped the skies of the past.
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