Short Sunderland Union Jack Rocks Glass

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The Short Sunderland was a British flying boat developed for long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare. Designed by Short Brothers and derived from the Empire-class civil flying boats, it first flew on 16 October 1937 and entered RAF service in 1938 with Coastal Command.

Powered by four Bristol Pegasus radial engines, the Sunderland had a range of over 1,700 miles and could remain airborne for up to 14 hours. It carried depth charges, bombs, and machine guns, and was heavily armed for a patrol aircraft — earning the nickname “Flying Porcupine” from German fighter crews due to its defensive armament.

Sunderlands operated extensively in the Battle of the Atlantic, attacking U-boats and escorting convoys. They also served in the Mediterranean, Pacific, and Indian Ocean theatres. The aircraft was crewed by up to 11 men and capable of landing on open seas for rescues or operations from remote areas.

Over 750 Sunderlands were built across five main variants (Mk I–V). The type remained in RAF service until 1959, with other operators including Australia, New Zealand, France, and Norway. It was one of the most successful maritime patrol aircraft of WWII and a symbol of Coastal Command's global reach.