SUPERMARINE SCAPA 100 YEARS OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE
PATROLLERS AND AIRLIFTERS RAF CENTENARY CELEBRATION 21204 Squadron. Together, the two
units provided anti-submarine patrols
over the Mediterranean during the
Spanish Civil War, and the latter
unit’s aircraft also flew in defence of
Egypt following the Italian invasion
of Abyssinia in 1935.
LONG-DISTANCE CRUISING
Like the Southampton, the Scapa
proved its capabilities during several
extended-range flights, including a
9,000-mile (14,484km) trip from
Britain’s south coast to Nigeria via
Algiers, Gambia and Lagos.
The Scapa’s service life was
limited, though, and following the
introduction of the superior Saro
London the Scapa was retired by
202 and 204 Squadrons in 1937.
It soldiered on until as late as
December 1938 with 240 Squadron
at Calshot, Hampshire, but the last
examples were soon scrapped.
proved its capabilities during several
December 1938 with 240 Squadron
“The Southampton’s Napier Lions had
been fi tted between the wings, where they
and their complex wire bracing created
substantial aerodynamic drag.”
Left
Scapa K4200 was
operated by 202
Squadron in Malta,
but crashed during
take-off from the
island’s Marsaxlokk
Bay on October 7,- ANDY HAY/WWW.
FLYINGART.CO.UK
Above
A Supermarine Scapa
fl ies in formation
with the Saunders
Roe R.24/31 London
prototype and the
sole Short S24/31
Knuckleduster in
June 1934.Left
The prototype
Supermarine Scapa
S1648 afl oat in
late 1932.