Aeromarine 700

The Aeromarine 700, introduced in 1928 by the American company Aeromarine, was a pioneering amphibious biplane that helped define early seaplane operations. Developed as a follow‑up to the successful Aeromarine 600 series, the 700 incorporated a more powerful 350‑horsepower Wright Whirlwind radial engine, a reinforced hull of duralumin and spruce, and a dual‑wing configuration with a wingspan of 55 feet. Its retractable pontoons allowed take‑off and landing on both water and conventional airfields, a rare capability at the time. The aircraft could carry up to four passengers, a pilot, and a modest cargo load, making it popular with coastal mail routes and luxury tourism ventures along the Atlantic seaboard.

Operational history was brief but influential. The 700 saw service with the United States Navy’s early amphibious patrol squadrons, where its stability and reliable handling earned commendation. It also performed record‑setting cross‑channel flights, demonstrating the strategic value of versatile water‑capable aircraft. Although production ceased in 1932 after only 28 units, the Aeromarine 700’s design lessons informed later flying boats such as the Consolidated PBY Catalina, cementing its place as a transitional bridge between early biplanes and the more advanced monoplane seaplanes of the 1930s.

Aeromarine

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification