Mayo Composite. 1938. United Kingdom
This piggyback aircraft project was devised by the technical
chief of Imperial Airways, R. H. Mayo, as a way to transport cargo (especially
mail) across long intercontinental routes. Both aircraft were built by Short Brothers
in Rochester. The larger S.21 Maia was based on Shorts successful S.23 c-class
Empire flying boat, whilst the smaller S.20 Mercury was designed to carry cargo
for distances up to 6,000 miles (9,700 km).
The Mayo composite made its first
attempt at a commercial flight across the north Atlantic on July 21st
1938, taking off from Foynes in Ireland. The Mercury landed in Boucherville
(Montreal) in Canada after a flight of 20 hours and 20 minutes, carrying 600lb
(272kg) of freight and mail. After a series of experimental flights, both
aircraft were destroyed during World War Two.
This is a ceramic collectable, rather than a fully accurate
scale model. Warning - this is not a toy – the ceramic is fragile and will
break on impact! Smaller components like props and tail surfaces will break if
handled roughly. Completely handmade and glazed in Ireland. Hand finished in
enamel.
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