History

The SR.A/1 was planned as a jet powered seaplane fighter designed to operate in the Pacific Ocean against Japanese forces. It did not see service during World War II and the concept was later abandoned.

Development of the Saunders Roe SR.A/1 began in 1943 when allied planners were confronted with the prospect of fighting over long ranges in the Pacific against Japan.

A jet powered seaplane fighter could give Britain the ability to use any protected anchorage without the need for large airfields.

The end of World War II meant there was no need for the A/1 so the project slowed considerably and only three were constructed.

The first one flew on 16 July 1947 and the third in August 1948.

Despite its size and ungainly appearance its performance was surprisingly good but there was no need for it and the last one was retired in June 1951.

This model represents the first prototype.

ID Models 1/72 kit with scrounged decals. Completed in March 1996.

Data

MODEL: Saunders Roe SR.A/1

ROLE: experimental single-seat seaplane fighter

TIME PERIOD: 1947-1951

ENGINES: two Metropolitan-Vickers F2/4 Beryl turbojets of 17.1kN thrust

WING SPAN: 14.02m

LENGTH: 15.24m

MAXIMUM TAKE OFF WEIGHT: 8,633kg

MAXIMUM SPEED: 824km/h

RANGE: 2.5hours endurance

CREW: 1

ARMAMENT: four Hispano 20mm cannon plus 455kg or rockets or bombs

SCALE: 1/72

KIT:

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