01/31/2017. Remarks by Johan Visschedijk: "A development of the Short S.5 Singapore Mk.I of 1926, the Singapore Mk.II appeared in 1930, and was the first Short flying boat to utilize the twin tandem engine layout, which had the advantage of doubling the power available without the added drag of two extra engine nacelles. The airframe design also aimed at low drag by employing a single-bay mainplane arrangement, reducing the number of struts to a minimum, and careful fairing and streamlining. The hull shape of the Singapore Mk.II was only finalized after exhaustive tests by the Experimental Department in the company's private test tank at Rochester.

Serialed N246 the prototype was first flown by Chief Test Pilot John Parker on March 27, 1930, powered by four pre-production 480 hp Rolls-Royce F.XII engines, but with the rapid development of these engines into the higher-powered Kestrel, the Singapore Mk.II was re-engined in early 1931 with two 525 hp Kestrel II tractors and two 525 hp Kestrel III pushers, the difference between engine Marks being occasioned by rearrangement of thrust bearings for the pusher or tractor function. Also a new tail unit was fitted, replacing the single fin and rudder by three equal sets.

In this configuration the machine was flown again on February 17, and attained a maximum speed of 140 mph (225 kmh) at an all-up weight of 31,500 lb (14,288 kg), and a range of 1,000 mls (1,609 km). Of all-metal construction with fabric covered flight surfaces, the Singapore Mk.II had three gun positions, in the nose, amidships, and in the extreme tail, with a large glazed cabin for the pilots and spacious accommodation within the hull. In 1930, as a proving flight, the Singapore Mk.II flew a 6,530 mls (10,509 km) round trip from Felixstowe, UK to the Middle East and back in company with the Saunders A.7 Severn.

The machine was not put into production, but in May 1934 the Air Ministry placed a development contract with Short Brothers which resulted in the Singapore Mk.III ordered in quantity for the Royal Air Force."