Conceived as a means of applying the promised advantages of jet propulsion to a single-seat fighter flying boat for use in the Pacific, the SR.44 was proposed by Saunders-Roe (Saro) during 1943. This proposal led to a contract for three prototypes being placed in May 1944 to Specification E.6/44. To be designated SR.A/1 before first flight, the fighter was of light alloy construction throughout, power being provided by two Metropolitan Vickers F2/4 Beryl turbojets and provision being made for an armament of four 20mm cannon grouped in the forward hull above the air intake. The first SR.A/1 did not fly until 16 July 1947, its Beryl turbojets each being rated at 1465kg. The second flew on 30 April 1948 with 1587kg Beryls and the third followed on 17 August of that year with fully rated Beryls of 1746kg. As no operational requirement remained for a fighter flying boat, official interest waned, and, after a brief revival of interest during the Korean War, the last surviving SR.A/1 was retired in June 1951.

3-View

A three-view drawing (1685 x 1120)