Short S.8 Imperial Airways Calcutta

General Product Description

Our PlaneArts Short S.8 Imperial Airways Calcutta 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.8 Imperial Airways Calcutta 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.8 Imperial Airways Calcutta 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.8 Calcutta: A Pioneering Seaplane in British Aviation

In the annals of British aviation history, the Short S.8 Calcutta holds a distinguished place as one of the pioneering seaplanes that graced the skies during the interwar period. Developed by Short Brothers, an aviation company known for its innovation, the Calcutta was a significant leap forward in the design and functionality of aircraft intended for commercial passenger service.

Origins and Development:

The Short S.8 Calcutta originated in the 1920s, a time when aviation was transitioning from wartime military needs to peacetime commercial possibilities. The aircraft was specifically designed for Imperial Airways, a precursor to the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), which later evolved into today’s British Airways. The design was based on the military Short Singapore flying boat but tailored to meet the demands of civilian air travel.

Design and Features:

The Calcutta was a large, three-engine biplane flying boat, capable of carrying up to fifteen passengers along with a crew of three. Its design featured a metal hull and fabric-covered wings, a common construction approach of the time which provided a balance between durability and weight. The use of three Bristol Jupiter radial engines not only provided ample power but also added redundancy, increasing the safety of over-water flights.

One of the remarkable features of the Calcutta was its spacious and comfortable cabin. This was a major selling point in an era when the nascent airline industry was trying to attract passengers who might otherwise travel by ocean liners. The cabin was designed to offer a level of comfort that could rival the first-class sections of contemporary ships, an ambitious attempt to make air travel a preferable choice.

Operational History:

The Short S.8 Calcutta first took to the skies in 1928, and it quickly became a workhorse for Imperial Airways’ routes, particularly those connecting Britain with its then-colonies. The aircraft’s ability to land on water made it ideal for routes with limited airport infrastructure. It served various destinations, including a prestigious route from London to Paris, which showcased its capabilities and helped boost public confidence in international air travel.

The Calcutta was also notable for its role in proving long-distance flight capabilities. One of its most famous flights was a survey flight from the UK to Karachi, which was part of a broader effort to establish reliable air routes between Britain and India, a critical component of Imperial Airways’ empire-building strategy.

Legacy:

The Short S.8 Calcutta was eventually superseded by more advanced models as aviation technology progressed rapidly towards the Second World War. However, its contribution to the development of commercial aviation, particularly in terms of long-distance and over-water flights, remains significant. The aircraft exemplified the potential of seaplanes in commercial air transport, especially in regions lacking developed ground infrastructure for aviation.

Today, the legacy of the Short S.8 Calcutta is a testament to the spirit of innovation and adventure that characterized the early days of commercial flight. Its development marked a notable chapter in the story of aviation, demonstrating the possibilities of international air travel and paving the way for the global airline industry as we know it today.