| Seamew | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Shipboard amphibious aircraft |
| National origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | Supermarine |
| Designer | |
| Status | scrapped (in 1930) |
| Number built | 2 |
| History | |
| First flight | 9 January 1928 |
The Supermarine Seamew was a British twin engined amphibious aircraft built by Supermarine at their works in Woolston, Southampton. It was intended as a small, shipborne reconnaissance aircraft. It was designed in 1925–1927 by R. J. Mitchell to meet the Air Ministry's specification 29/24. It was the first aeroplane built by Supermarine to incorporate metal in the construction; two machines were built. Mitchell planned a civilian version of the aircraft, to accommodate up to six passengers.
Higher priority projects meant that little was done on developing the Seamew until October 1926. It first flew on 9 January 1928. Tests showed that the aircraft was nose-heavy and its hand-starter gear was faulty. The propellers were poorly positioned, so that in time they sustained damage from sea spray. Further testing revealed that fittings had been made with an unsuitable material. Both aircraft were scrapped in 1930.