The HMS M2 Submarine Aircraft Carrier (1931)
- 5 years ago
After the accidental sinking of M1 in 1925, M2 and her sister M3 were taken out of service and reassigned for experimental use.
Her 12-inch gun was removed, replaced by a small aircraft hangar, the work being completed in 1927.
This could carry a small Parnall Peto seaplane, specially designed for the M2, which, once its wings had been unfolded, could be lowered onto the sea alongside by a derrick for take off. On landing, the aircraft was hoisted back onto the deck and replaced into the hangar.
In October 1928, a hydraulic aircraft catapult was fitted, to enable the seaplane to take off directly from the deck.
The submarine was intended to operate ahead of the battle fleet in a reconnaissance role, flying off her unarmed seaplane as a scout
Her 12-inch gun was removed, replaced by a small aircraft hangar, the work being completed in 1927.
This could carry a small Parnall Peto seaplane, specially designed for the M2, which, once its wings had been unfolded, could be lowered onto the sea alongside by a derrick for take off. On landing, the aircraft was hoisted back onto the deck and replaced into the hangar.
In October 1928, a hydraulic aircraft catapult was fitted, to enable the seaplane to take off directly from the deck.
The submarine was intended to operate ahead of the battle fleet in a reconnaissance role, flying off her unarmed seaplane as a scout