Short S.23 C Class Flying Boat Imperial Airways Calypso

General Product Description

Our PlaneArts Short S.23 C Class Flying Boat Imperial Airways Calypso model exhibits unique, unrivaled quality and detailed design to come as close as possible to the accuracy of the actual plane. It comes as standard with a robust, durable base or stand which is available in a variety of different finishes designed to match your own personal requirements including solid wood, wood with polished metal supports or adjustable wood wall mount and will be ready within about 9-10 weeks from placement of order.

The Short S.23 C Class Flying Boat Imperial Airways Calypso model is made of the finest kiln dried renewable mahogany wood (commonly known as Lauan or Meranti) which has undergone many stages of carving and meticulous and careful sanding giving the beautiful finished museum quality masterpiece. Many collectors and model connoisseurs demonstrate their preference for genuine handmade and hand painted mahogany wood models rather than plastic or die cast (diecast) alternatives due to the overall look and totally different feel of the item - we trust you will find the same. We can, however, if required produce the same model in Solid Cast Resin so just click and contact us us for further information. Our craftsmen and gifted artisans ensure that our finely handcrafted model airplanes match the precise blueprint details of the original aircraft. The paint scheme, markings and parts are closely matched, reflecting the original aircraft. This stylish top-quality desktop replica model will surely enthrall anyone who receives this as a gift and for sure one of the most appropriate and desirably collectable gifts for any aviation enthusiast and avid aircraft collector whilst also displaying a perfect resemblance to the actual aircraft.

If you require we can also make the Short S.23 C Class Flying Boat Imperial Airways Calypso model in any other airline, private livery or colour scheme you require and if necessary in a different size or scale. Just click here to contact us with a description or photographs of what you require, and we will let you have a quotation for the necessary customization by return email. We can also make bespoke scale replicas of any other private / civil commercial airliner or airliners, helicopter, glider, gliders with engines, military jet, warplane jets, propeller warplanes, biplane, triplane, tail fin, spacecraft, rocket or NASA model you require in any airline, military or civilian livery or colors. We also produce model airships, blimp, dirigible, blimps, boat and ship collectibles. Wall plaque or seal for military, government or private customers. Again, by clicking here to contact us just let us know exactly what you need.

The Short S.23 C Class Flying Boat: A Glimpse into the Golden Age of Aviation

In the annals of aviation history, few aircraft evoke the romance and adventure of early air travel quite like the Short S.23 C Class flying boats. Among these iconic seaplanes, the Imperial Airways’ “Calypso” stands out as a symbol of an era when flying was as much about luxury and spectacle as it was about transportation.

Origins and Design:

Developed by Short Brothers in the 1930s, the S.23 C Class was designed to meet the needs of Imperial Airways, which sought capable aircraft to expand its international routes, particularly those linking the British Empire via the Mediterranean and Asian waterways. The design was a direct response to the airline’s requirements for aircraft that could operate from water, avoiding the need for extensive runway infrastructure in remote areas.

The S.23 was powered by four Bristol Pegasus Xc radial engines, providing a balance of power and reliability necessary for long overwater flights. Its all-metal hull was designed for both seaworthiness and aerodynamic efficiency, a crucial factor in the long-range operations it was built for.

The Calypso’s Notable Service:

The “Calypso,” registered as G-ADUV, was one of the most famous of the Short S.23 flying boats. Delivered to Imperial Airways in 1936, it quickly became a flagship for the airline’s luxury overseas service. Named after the nymph in Greek mythology, Calypso embodied the allure and mystique of distant travel.

The aircraft’s interior was a marvel of the era’s technology and design, featuring smoking cabins, dressing rooms, and a dining saloon where passengers could enjoy gourmet meals. The level of comfort and attention to detail provided an unparalleled travel experience, often likened to the grand ocean liners of the time.

Wartime Role and Legacy:

With the outbreak of World War II, Calypso, like many civilian aircraft, was pressed into military service. It was converted for use as a transport and patrol aircraft, a role that it served until 1943 when it tragically sank near Augusta, Sicily, after hitting an underwater obstacle.

Despite its untimely demise, the legacy of the Calypso and the Short S.23 C Class flying boats lives on. They marked a significant period in aviation history, showcasing advances in aircraft design and luxury travel. The Calypso’s contributions to both civilian and military aviation highlight the adaptability and importance of these aircraft in a rapidly changing world.

Conclusion:

Today, the story of the Short S.23 C Class, and particularly the Calypso, remains a fascinating chapter in the story of flight. It serves as a reminder of the days when air travel was a daring adventure, imbued with glamour and an elegance that modern air travel can seldom claim.