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10 Second War Stories brings military history to life through stories, veteran profile, force profiles, and equipment guides across all nations and conflicts.

What was the Short Sunderland?

The Short Sunderland was a massive airplane built to land and take off on water instead of using a runway. Because it had a hollow hull like a ship, it was called a flying boat. It was a very strong plane that carried heavy gear to help it stay in the air for many hours.

What was the job of this plane in Papua New Guinea?

During World War II, these planes flew long missions over the ocean near New Guinea to look for enemy ships and submarines. They patrolled the dangerous waters of the Coral Sea to keep supply routes safe. These patrols were vital because they protected the food and weapons needed by Allied soldiers.

Why did these planes not need an airport?

Since they were flying boats, they did not need a concrete runway to land on. Instead, they used the calm waters near islands like Port Moresby as their base. This was very useful in remote areas where building a large landing strip for regular planes was impossible.

How did local people help these planes?

People living along the coast often acted as spotters for the plane crews. They watched the horizon and shared information about any enemy ships they saw in the water. This teamwork helped the pilots know where to look and kept the important supply lines protected.

What is the history of the Short Sunderland?

The Short Sunderland first took to the sky in 1938 just before the start of World War II. It became one of the most famous patrol planes used by Allied forces to watch over vast oceans. It is remembered today as a powerful protector that helped keep the Pacific waters safe during the fighting.

Home Library Papua New GuineaShort Sunderland

Flying Boat

Short Sunderland

A giant patrol flying boat that guarded the island waters around Papua during World War II.

Papua New Guinea Introduced 1938 Short BrothersRole: Maritime reconnaissance and patrol

Specifications

Wingspan

112 feet

Max Speed

213 miles per hour

Crew

9 to 11 members

Range

1,780 miles

The Short Sunderland of Papua New Guinea

History

During World War II, giant seaplanes were needed to fly long reconnaissance patrols across the vast oceans around New Guinea. Allied flying boats, including the Short Sunderland, operated from island bases like Port Moresby.

These large planes did not need landing strips because they took off and landed straight on the water. They searched for enemy ships and submarines threatening supply lanes in the Coral Sea.

Local crews and coastal spotters often guided these maritime patrol craft, helping protect the supply lines keeping forces alive in New Guinea.