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The quest for speed

The Schneider Trophy ran from 1913 to 1931 and was an international aviation race of seaplanes that became a source of national competition and a popular spectator sport. The Schneider Trophy contests were set up to further the development of maritime aviation. The planes not only had to be the fastest over a number of circuits but also perform seaworthiness trials. The main appeal however was the speed and the developments made in these races directly influenced technology seen in the Second World War especially the Spitfire. On example of the advances made is in the winning speed shown during the races; in 1913 it was 47.75mph and in 1931 Britain won the last trophy at 340mph.

The winner of the 1927 race at Venice was the British team flying Supermarine Napier S-5 and the Gloster Napier IV. First place went to Flt Lt SN Webster RAF recording a winning speed of 281.65mph. Former RNAS pilot (now RAF) pilot Flight Lieutenant Kinkead was part of this winning team and pages from his presentation album are shown here. He had a long and distinguished flying career serving in the First World War and receiving the DSC amongst other awards. Unfortunately Flt Lt Kinkead was killed in March 1928 when he attempted the World Speed Record and crashed into the Solent near Calshot.

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The 1920s

The Schneider Trophy

The 1930s

Aircraft Carrier development

Naval Aircraft