SUPERMARINE SEAPLANE

THE OPPORTUNITY

Your investment will support us build a full-scale flying reproduction of the Supermarine S5 under the supervision of the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) rules. The Supermarine S5 was a unique aircraft in British aviation and deserves to be seen.

To date, we are delighted to have received £82,000 including a donation of £5,000 from the Royal Air Force Historical society (the RAFHS) and full support of the LAA.

You can help this iconic aircraft return to the sky by purchasing our unique products including t-shirts and mugs, or even witnessing the maiden flight in-person.

We are on track to take flight before the Centenary of the S5, in September 2027.

ONE OF OUR AIRCRAFT IS MISSING

The Supermarine Spitfire, which proved so vital in winning the Second World War, didn’t suddenly appear out of the blue. It was developed as part of the programme begun by designer RJ Mitchell that started with the Supermarine S5, S6 and S6B seaplanes. These aircraft were designed to the prestigious Schneider Trophy, a Speed competition for Seaplanes and Flying Boats. 

Thanks to the ground-breaking design and technology in these aircraft, they defeated their French, German, Italian and American rivals, three consecutive times, setting absolute speed records on the way. 

Now, almost 100 years later we are still graced with Spitfires in our skies, but not so the engineering marvels that made them possible. This part of our shared heritage is missing and in danger of being forgotten. 

No longer. We will build both the Supermarine S5, and then its successor, the S6, and return them to our skies.

The Supermarine Spitfire, so vital in winning WW2, didn’t suddenly appear out of the blue, it was the result of a long development programme run by its designer RJ Mitchell and culminating in the Supermarine S5 and S6 seaplanes. These were the ‘prototypes’ for the development of the world famous Spitfire. These aircraft battled the Germans, French, Italians and Americans in the Schneider Trophy contests 1931-1931.

THE AMBITION

The team will use the original Schneider Trophy hanger in Calshot, Hampshire to build and fly both aircraft: the S5 first, then the all-metal S6.

Challenging though this is, we wish to do more. We intend to do more than simply celebrate heritage. 

It is our intention to:

• Involve budding young engineers in the aircraft design and build process to inspire them to engage with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
• Work with universities to add value and opportunity for students studying aeronautics and engineering
• Help develop a fuller understanding of Britain’s aviation heritage and celebrate our world leading engineering achievements
• Help the people of Hampshire connect with and celebrate the vital role Supermarine played in their local history 

PROGRESS TO DATE YOU CAN HELP

Thus far we have raised £82,000 and are being supported by the RAF Heritage Society. The wings of the S5 are on track for completion in November 2022.  Next will come the floats. Finally the fuselage, assembly and installing the engine. The S5 will then be ready to return to the skies as both a display aircraft, as well as the training aircraft for the more advanced S6. 

THE PLAN

Team team have almost completed the S5 wings at a cost of some £82,000. 

Next are the floats project ted to cost £65,000, followed by the fuselage and assembly at some £240,000. The cost of the engine has already been covered by the sponsors. 

In addition to the construction costs, there are also the normal running costs such as hanger rental, insurance, consumables etc.

The completed S5 will also serve as a training and learning project for our next build project, the Supermarine S6B, estimated to cost approximately £6,000,000.

HOW CAN YOU HELP

• We need donations on the basis of any of the above, and are open to any interesting proposals you might have.
• We are actively seeking Introductions to high profile people to lend weight, profile and credibility.
• Personal introductions to clubs or enthusiasts who might donate or contribute.
• Introductions to key corporations, mainstream media or online influencers.
• Suggestions for activities, events, campaigns that would connect with key audiences.
• New ways to help the Hampshire area, STEM University Students and young people making interested in the field.
• We need donations on the basis of any of the above, and are open to alternative proposals
• Introductions to high profile people to lend weight, profile and credibility (for purely illustrative purposes: Lord March, so as to become involved in Goodwood Festival of Speed, James May, a pilot, heritage and Spitfire enthusiast and ‘profile multiplier’)
• Introductions to clubs or enthusiasts who might donate
• Introductions to key corporates, mainstream media or online influencers
• Suggestions for activities, events, campaigns that would connect with key audiences (eg create NFTs)
• Ways to help Hampshire, university students and young people making decisions about their lives
  
  

If you would like to donate then please use the details below:

Bank: Cooperative Bank, 

Name: Supermarine Seaplane, 

Sort: 08-92-99, 

Acct: 67185159

WHO IS SUPPORTING THE PROJECT

BUILD PHOTOGRAPHS & SCALED MODEL - to date

1/5 static scale Supermarine S5

The Original Schneider hangar from 2014

Bodmin wings build

Bodmin wing build calculating material specs

Rod & John at Bodmin in Hangar 4