ALL the pioneering research work for the world’s first jet seaplane was carried out at the Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment at RAF Helensburgh and Rhu.
The Morris Furniture Company of Glasgow provided wooden models of the world’s first jet propelled seaplane fighter produced by Saunders Roe, as before the prototype could be made and flown, scale models had to be produced and tested.This was done at RAF Helensburgh during the final two years of World War Two.
Robin Bird, whose father Bob was the MAEE photographer and who has written two books about MAEE, said: “These scale models — some radio controlled — must have been the ultimate ‘boy’s toy’ of their day.”
MAEE used flying scale model planes (such as the one pictured below right) to test new aircraft designs, following trials of hull designs in the water tank at the Hydro Ballistic Research Establishment in Glen Fruin or Helensburgh skating pond.
The most ambitious flying model was that of the proposed Saunders Roe A1 jet seaplane as it was radio-controlled.
The seaplane made its maiden flight on July 16 1947, flown by Geoffrey Tyson, after MAEE had returned to Felixstowe, where research continued despite uncertainty for its need following the end of the war.
The actual prototype and its two sister aircraft were soon grounded for modifications. For various reasons progress was slow, not helped by the cold winter of 1947-48.
It was then intended to give the jet seaplane concept a boost at a public display, the Battle of Britain Air Show of 1949.
MAEE Squadron Leader K.A.Major took the controls for the rehearsal, and was killed when SRA-1 TG271 crashed.
“This fatal flying accident heralded the end of the MAEE, military seaplanes and flying boats,” Robin said.
“The RAF no longer wanted seaplanes or flying boats. The Government was making cuts.
“During World War Two so many airfields had been established worldwide that flying boats were no longer required by the RAF.
“It is fair to say, however, that flying boat and seaplane research reached a peak of achievement at RAF Helensburgh and helped defeat the U-Boat threat.”
The final flight by the MAEE involved a Sunderland in 1953 before it disbanded.