Saunders-Roe Windhover

Saunders-Roe · United Kingdom · first flew 1930 · airliner

The Saunders-Roe Windhover was a British three-engine parasol monoplane flying boat designed for short-haul passenger services in the early 1930s. Only three were built, and they flew limited commercial routes in the UK.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	3 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	12.6 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

British three-engine biplane flying boat of the early 1930s
High parasol wing with three radial engines
Small Saunders-Roe amphibian for short passenger routes

Identified by the high-mounted parasol monoplane wing with three engines, boat hull, and the small size relative to contemporary British flying boats; Saunders-Roe's characteristic hull construction is evident.

Specifications

The Saunders-Roe Windhover has a length of 12.6 m (41 ft).
It has a wingspan of 16.56 m (54 ft).
Its maximum speed is 174 km/h (108 mph).
Typical crew: 1 pilot, up to 6 passengers.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1930, the Windhover was a clean design for its era, featuring a parasol monoplane wing above a boat hull. The three aircraft built were operated on British coastal and Isle of Wight services, but the type was short-lived commercially.

Variants

Three Windhovers were constructed; minor differences in equipment fit existed but no formal sub-variants were designated.

Where you'll see it

Operated briefly by Spartan Air Lines on British coastal routes in the early 1930s before being retired. The Windhover is a rare and largely forgotten British flying boat type.

Related aircraft

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