2-636-884 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The upper component of the Short-Mayo Composite Aircraft 'Mercury' undergoing flight trials at Rochester, Kent, c1929 (c1937). The Short Mayo Composite was a long-range seaplane combination produced by Short Brothers to provide a reliable long-range air transport service to the United States and the British Empire and the Commonwealth. The upper component, 'Mercury', was a twin-float, four-engine seaplane crewed by a single pilot and a navigator. Short Brothers were founded in 1908 in London, and were the first company in the world to make production aircraft. From Wonders of World Aviation, Vol. 1, by Clarence Winchester. [The Amalgamated Press Ltd, London, c1937]