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Short S.23 Empire / C class

Short Brothers · Airliner · UK · Interwar (1919–1938)

Short S.23 Empire / C class — Airliner
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The Short Empire was a four-engined monoplane transport flying boat, designed and developed by Short Brothers during the 1930s to meet the requirements of the British Empire, specifically to provide air service from the UK to South Africa, Singapore and Australia in stages. It was developed in parallel with the Short Sunderland maritime patrol bomber, which served in the Second World War along with the piggy-back Short Mayo Composite.

Specifications

Category
Fixed Wing
Sub-Category
Flying Boat
Domain
Civil
Era
Interwar (1919–1938)
Country
UK
Manufacturer
Short Brothers
Operator
UK military
Primary Role
Airliner
Status
Retired
Service Entry
1936
Produced
42
Propulsion
Piston
Engine
4x Bristol Pegasus XC
Thrust / Power
3,560 hp total
Launch
Water
Length (ft)
88
Wingspan (ft)
114
Empty Weight (lb)
23500
MTOW (lb)
40500
Payload (lb)
5400
Endurance (hr)
10
Service Ceiling (ft)
20000
Range (mi)
760
Max Speed (mph)
200