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Short S23 Empire flying boat, AX659, after conversion
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Short S23 Empire flying boat, AX659, after conversion
Short S23 Empire flying boat, AX659, after conversion to military use, taxying on Belfast Lough in April 1941. This aircraft was formerly G-AETY, Clio
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Media ID 10634484
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10993107
1941 Belfast Clio Conversion Lough Taxying Short
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In this evocative black-and-white photograph, Short S23 Empire flying boat AX659 taxies on Belfast Lough in April 1941. Once a commercial aircraft with the civil registration G-AETY and the name "Clio," this plane underwent a significant transformation into a military vessel. The Short S23 Empire was a large, twin-engine flying boat designed for long-range transport, with a capacity to carry up to 21 passengers. However, as the Second World War escalated, the need for military aircraft grew, and this particular Empire was converted for military use. In this image, AX659 is seen in its new military livery, with the RAF roundel and serial number clearly visible on its hull. The conversion process would have involved the installation of defensive armament, such as machine guns, and the removal of civilian amenities, like the passenger cabin and seating. Taxying on the calm waters of Belfast Lough, AX659 appears ready for its next mission. The crew members, clad in military uniforms, are seen working diligently around the aircraft, ensuring that all systems are functioning correctly before takeoff. The aircraft's powerful engines emit plumes of smoke as they warm up, adding to the sense of urgency and purpose. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the adaptability of aircraft during wartime and the crucial role they played in the defense of the United Kingdom. The Short S23 Empire flying boat, once a luxurious transport for civilians, had been transformed into a formidable military asset, ready to serve its country in the skies above the North Atlantic.
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