AD Flying Boat

High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The AD Flying Boat was designed by the British Admiralty's Air Department to serve as a patrol aircraft that could operate in conjunction with Royal Navy warships. Intended for use during World War I, production of the aircraft was terminated as the end of the war came into sight, and the type saw little operational use. A number were re-purchased after the end of the War by Supermarine Aviation and rebuilt as civil Transports, becoming known as the Supermarine Channel. Designed in 1915 by Lieutenant Linton Hope, the aircraft was of conventional biplane flying-boat configuration, and also featured a biplane tail with twin rudders. The pilot and observer sat in tandem in the nose, with the engine and pusher propeller mounted behind them, between the wings. The wings could be folded forwards to facilitate shipboard stowage. Two prototypes were constructed in 1916 by Pemberton-Billing Ltd. The first prototype was intended to be powered by powered by a 150 hp Sunbeam Nubian engine, but this was not ready with the Hispano-Suiza 8 being substituted.