Sunderland II

Blackburn's Sunderland II was an evolution of the Royal Navy’s long‑range maritime patrol flying boat that first entered service in 1937. Developed by Blackburn Aircraft Ltd., the Sunderland II incorporated a strengthened hull, enlarged fuel tanks and a more powerful Bristol Pegasus VIII radial engine delivering 1,065 hp to each of its four propellers. These improvements raised the maximum speed to 210 mph, extended range to over 2,600 miles and allowed an operational ceiling of 22,000 feet, enabling it to escort convoys across the Atlantic and conduct anti‑submarine patrols in the North Sea and Pacific theatres during World War II. The aircraft’s distinctive airborne radar dome, defensive armament of eight .303‑inch machine guns in nose, dorsal, tail and waist positions, and capacity to carry up to 2,000 lb of depth charges or torpedoes made it a formidable hunter‑killer. Post‑war, the Sunderland II served with civilian operators for transport and search‑and‑rescue missions, demonstrating the versatility of the flying‑boat concept. Its rugged construction, long endurance and adaptability cemented its reputation as one of the most successful maritime patrol aircraft of the era, influencing later designs such as the P‑3 Orion.

Blackburn Aircraft

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification