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1937 Short-Mayo Composite consists of the larger S.21, "Maia", G-ADHK, and smaller S.20, "Mercury", G-ADHJ.
This "composite" system was developed to provide long range air mail. The lower aircraft was similar to the Short Empire flying boats with a wider hull to support the additional weights. Also the inboard engines were placed more outboard to provide space for the pontoons of the upper aircraft. This arrangement allowed the upper aircraft to takeoff with a larger load of fuel than it could takeoff on its own. The composite aircraft would climb to about 10,000 feet before the upper aircraft would separate.
Flights were made from England to Montreal, Canada, and to South Africa.
No further development was undertaken. This was most likely due to the complexity and the start of WWII. The Mercury, S.20, was broken up in 1941. The "Maia", S.21, was destroyed in an air raid in 1942.
Aeroplane Photo Supply No. 1015
Aeroplane Photo Supply No. 1016
