UP WITH THE COMPOSITE: Though the first separation of the Short-Mayo composite combination, Mercury and Maia, is said to have been witnessed only by bargees in the Medway estuary, the art of the aerial photographer brings us an intimate glimpse of this strangest of all aircraft not long before the “great event.”
It is said that the first separation of the Short-Mayo composite combination, Mercury and Maia, was witnessed only by bargees in the Medway estuary. The photograph was taken not long before the great event. Note the Miles camera-plane in the distance.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles M.3 Falcon / M.6 Hawcon - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1934Short Mayo Composite (S.20 Mercury and S.21 Maia) - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1938

The Short S.20 G-ADHK Maia is seen returning to her base at Rochester on Sunday, February 6, 1938 following the first separation. The second separation was covered by British Movietone News and was made at a height of 700ft on February 23, 1938.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Short Mayo Composite (S.20 Mercury and S.21 Maia) - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1938

Pleasing view of Mercury flying low over the River Medway early in 1938. Its engines were air-cooled Napier-Halford Rapier engines of 340 h.p. apiece.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Short Mayo Composite (S.20 Mercury and S.21 Maia) - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1938

THE MASTER TOUCH. This view from above of Maia, the lower component of the Short-Mayo composite aircraft, shows how Mr. Lankester Parker puts down a large flying boat on the Medway. The occupants are scarcely aware of contact with the water.
This view of Short S.20 G-ADHK shows well the cradle on which Mercury sat during “piggy-back" flight. The 114ft-span S.21 was powered by four 920 h.p. Bristol Pegasus XC radial engines and had an all-up weight of 24,000lb (solo).

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Short Mayo Composite (S.20 Mercury and S.21 Maia) - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1938

Крупный план ферменной трапеции, предназначенной для крепления "Меркьюри" на фюзеляже самолета-матки.
The cradle on which Mercury rested upon Maia in flight. Switches were incorporated at the upper ends of this central struts to indicate the trim of the aircraft.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Short Mayo Composite (S.20 Mercury and S.21 Maia) - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1938

Mercury as separate seaplane. The picture gives a good idea of the neat installation of the Napier-Halford Rapier engines
The Short S.21 G-ADHJ Mercury on the River Medway at Rochester in September 1937. It was launched on September 15 and test pilot John Parker made the maiden flight of 15min. The 73ft-span Mercury had an empty weight of 10,163lb and an all-up solo weight of 15,500lb.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Short Mayo Composite (S.20 Mercury and S.21 Maia) - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1938

Mercury being lowered by crane into position on top of Maia. The combined empty weight of the composite was 34,000lb.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Short Mayo Composite (S.20 Mercury and S.21 Maia) - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1938

Maia’s cockpit. The indicating lights which showed the trim and pull of the upper component at any given moment may be seen in the roof.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Short Mayo Composite (S.20 Mercury and S.21 Maia) - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1938