The Short S.25 Sunderland was a British flying boat patrol bomber developed for the Royal Air Force by Short Brothers. Based in part upon the S.23 Empire flying boat, the flagship of Imperial Airways, the S.25 was extensively re-engineered for military service. It was one of the most powerful and widely used flying boats throughout the Second World War,[1] and was involved in countering the threat posed by German U-boats in the Battle of the Atlantic. The Sunderland was notable for being the first flying-boat to be equipped with power-operated gun turrets.
The Germans are reported to have nicknamed the Sunderland the Fliegendes Stachelschwein (Flying Porcupine) due to its defensive firepower and to the several prominent antennas protruding from it.
Sunderlands gained a reputation for being able to take care of itself. This reputation was enhanced by an air battle between eight Junkers Ju 88C long range heavy fighters and a single RAAF Sunderland Mark III of No. 461 Squadron RAAF on 2 June 1943. Only two Ju 88s returned to their base.
