History Brief, by Johan Visschedijk November 10, 2003

Saunders-Roe A.27 London

The aircraft was designed to specification R.24/31 filling the need for a twin-engined coastal reconnaissance flying boat. Features were robustness, simplicity of construction and low maintenance costs. The prototype, registered K3560 and powered by two 750 hp Bristol Pegasus III radials, flew for the first time in 1934 and a production order was placed in March 1935, receiving the name London. The first London Mk.I production models were also powered by the Pegasus III, the first flew early 1936, starting service with RAF coastal squadrons in April 1936. From the eleventh production aircraft the type was build to specification R.3/35 as Mk.IIs with Pegasus X engines, having as the most distinctive external difference the nine-angled engine cowlings being replaced by circular ones. The original prototype and the ten Mk.Is were converted to Mk.IIs. A total of 49 Londons were built, including the prototype. The last London was withdrawn from service in June 1941. The aircraft was of all-metal construction with fabric covered wing and tail surfaces. It had a crew of 6 and was armed with three .303 in (7.7 mm) Lewis machine guns in the bow, dorsal and tail positions. A maximum 2,000 lb (907 kg) load of bombs, depth charges or mines could be carried. A.27 London Mk.I Johan Visschedijk Collection Specifications (Mk.II) Type: General-purpose coastal reconnaissance flying boat Engine: two 920 hp Bristol Pegagus X nine-cylinder radial air-cooled engine Span: 80 ft (24.38 m) Length: 56 ft 6 in (17.07 m) Height: 18 ft 9 in (5.72 m) Wing area: 1,425 sq.ft (132.38 sq.m) Empty Wt: 11,100 lb ( kg) Max T/O Wt: 18,400 lb (8,346 kg) Max speed: 155 mph (1963 km/h) at 6,560 ft (1,999 m) Max climb: 1,180 ft (360 m)/min Ceiling: 19,900 ft (6,066 m) Range: 1,740 mls (2,800 km) Models A.27: prototype, 1 built, later converted to Mk.II A.27 London Mk.I: initial production, 10 built, later converted to Mk.II A.27 London Mk.II: 38 built