Supermarine Nanok

The Supermarine Nanok was a British three-engined biplane flying boat built by Supermarine. Built to meet a Royal Danish Navy requirement, the single prototype was rebuilt as a private air yacht and renamed the Supermarine Solent.

Development and design
The Nanok (Inuit language: "Polar bear") was a three-engined development of Supermarine's successful Southampton flying boat, designed to meet a Danish requirement for a torpedo carrying flying boat. A prototype was ordered on 17 June 1926, and the aircraft first flew on 21 June 1927. Testing was disappointing, and despite modifications the aircraft could not meet the specified performance and was rejected by the Danes.

The aircraft was therefore converted to a luxury 12-seat civil transport for the use of the Irish brewing magnate, Arthur Ernest Guinness, being renamed the Supermarine Solent.

Operational history
The Solent was certified as airworthy on 5 September 1928, and was used to fly frequently between England and the owner's home near Lough Corrib in County Galway, Ireland. It remained in use until it was scrapped in 1934.

Operators

 * Royal Danish Navy
 * Royal Danish Navy