Qantas and the Empire Flying Boat
Qantas and the Empire Flying Boat
Between 1938 and 1948, Qantas Short Empire flying boats navigated a dramatic and dangerous period for commercial aviation. Qantas Empire Airways flew the Singapore–Sydney section of the pre-war Imperial Airways UK–Australia air route, the longest air service in the world at the time. The distinctive aircraft introduced a new level of luxury travel and service to the route. However, the outbreak of war in 1939 cut short this brief glamorous time and brought the Qantas boats increasingly on to the front line, with two being lost when shot down by Japanese aircraft in 1942.
Containing over 160 stunning illustrations, many of which are previously unpublished, this book details the history of the Empire flying boats as they went from luxurious carriers to military service in roles their designers could never have envisioned, including the resupply and evacuation of Allied military forces. Only one survived the war and operated briefly before being scrapped in 1948, marking the end of an era as the baton was passed to the next generation of long-range airliners.
Available: NOW
ISBN: 978 1 913870 37 9
Price: £17.99
Series:
Format: Paperback, 128 pages
Author: David Crotty