In February 1917, the first prototype of the Felixstowe F.3 was flown. This was a larger and heavier development of theFelixstowe F.2A, powered by two 320 hp (239 kW)Sunbeam Cossack engines.[1] Large orders followed, with the production aircraft powered byRolls-Royce Eagles. The F.3's larger size gave it greater range and a heavier bombload than the F2, but poorer speed and agility. Approximately 100 Felixstowe F.3s were produced before the end of the war, including 18 built by theDockyard Constructional Unit at Malta.[2]
The larger F.3, which was less popular with its crews than the more maneuverable F.2A, served in theMediterranean as well as theNorth Sea.
In 1920, theCanadian Air Board sponsored a project to conduct the first-ever Trans-Canada flight to determine the feasibility of such flights for future air mail and passenger service. The leg fromRivière du Loup toWinnipeg was flown by Lieutenant ColonelLeckie and MajorHobbs in a Felixstowe F.3. Six F.3s served with the Canadian Air Force/Air Board between 1921 and 1923.[3]
Short F.3 Air Yacht (G-EAQT), on theMedway, 11 June 1920, before shipment to Australia.[4][5]
Felixstowe F-III
Canadian Vickers Felixstowe F.3 built for a transatlantic attempt.
Short F.3 Air Yacht
G-EAQT (ex N4019) and G-EBDQ (ex N4177) placed on the civil register and converted for private use. G-EAQT fitted byShort Brothers, including three lounges upholstered in green and grey for ten passengers.[5]
Felixstowe F.3 G-EAQT (c/n S.6907): Article describing an attempt and proposal to establish commercial flying boat services in Australia between 1919 and 1921 using the Felixstowe F3.
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