Supermarine Sea Otter
Supermarine · United Kingdom · first flew 1938 · transport aircraft
The Supermarine Sea Otter was a British single-engine amphibian biplane that succeeded the famous Walrus in Royal Navy and RAF service. It featured a pusher engine mounted above the upper wing and a boat hull for water operations.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.12 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-engine pusher biplane amphibian
- Successor to the Walrus with pusher propeller above wing
- Used for air-sea rescue and coastal patrol
Distinctive pusher biplane amphibian with the engine and propeller mounted on struts above the wing centre-section. The boat hull and retractable wingtip floats are key recognition features.
Specifications
- The Supermarine Sea Otter has a length of 12.12 m (40 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.02 m (46 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 262 km/h (163 mph).
- Typical crew: 4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by Supermarine as an updated replacement for the Walrus, the Sea Otter first flew in 1938 but did not enter service until 1944 due to production priorities. It served primarily in the air-sea rescue role, picking up downed aircrew, and also conducted anti-submarine patrols. Around 290 were built and it served into the early postwar years.
Variants
The Sea Otter Mk I and Mk II were the main production versions, differing in equipment fit. The Mk II was equipped for the air-sea rescue role with additional rescue gear.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and RAF Coastal Command during the latter part of World War II and into the late 1940s. It served in European and Far Eastern theatres. The type was retired from UK service by around 1952.
Related aircraft
- Supermarine Spitfire Mk I
- Supermarine Spitfire Mk IA
- Supermarine Spitfire
- Supermarine Spitfire Mk II
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- Dornier Do 26
- Lisunov Li-2
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