RCAF.com
Saro LERWICK
A view of the less-than-successful Saro Lerwick as used by No. 422 and 423 Sqns of the RCAF - (Imperial War Museum Photo)
Developed to work alongside the very successful Shorts Sunderland flying boat, the smaller twin-engine Saro Lerwick also entered service with the RAF in 1938. Unfortunately the initial service trials revealed various deficiencies with the design; the Lerwick proved to have serious stability problems both in the air and on the water. However, wartime necessity saw the type introduced into service regardless of the deficiencies. Attempts to resolve the problems did not prove entirely successful. Consequently, the type was quickly relegated to operational training duties and by 1941 was eventually withdrawn from service when suitable quantities of the more successful Sunderland aircraft were available.
Although no Lerwick aircraft were officially on strength with the RCAF, in fact, two RCAF squadrons, Nos. 422 and 423, were initially equipped with Lerwick Mk I aircraft for operational training purposes before transitioning to the Sunderland aircraft type.
| Manufacturer: | Saro Aircraft |
| Crew/Passengers: | crew of six |
| Power Plant: | two 1,375 hp Bristol Hercules II radial piston engines |
| Performance: | Max Speed: 216 mph (348 km/h) Cruising Speed: 166 mph (267 km/h) Service Ceiling: 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Weights: | Max T/O: 33,200 lb (15,059 kg) |
| Dimensions: | Span: 80 ft 10 in ( 24.64 m) Length: 63 ft 8 in (19.40 m) Height: 20 ft 0 in (6.10 m) Wing Area: 845 sq ft (78.50 sq m) |
| Armament: | 7 x .303 in (7.7 mm) machine guns in powered turrets plus provisions for up to 2,000 lb (907 kg) in bombs or depth charges |
| Cost: | Unknown |