Mercury and Maia moored at Rochester in 1938. The Composite had first flown in January of that year, although its two component aircraft had made their first flights several months previously.

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

Mercury and Maia at the MAEE at Felixstowe where they were each tested separately for a Certificate of Airworthiness. They were delivered there in March 1938, returning to Rochester in May.

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

Evocative view of Mercury and Maia taken during the winter of 1937-38.

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

METACENTRIC HEIGHT: Out for its first taxying tests - the Short-Mayo Composite manoeuvring under its own power on the Medway last Monday. The extra-large out-board floats of the Maia are both in contact with the water, although the main hull does not seem to be unduly submerged.

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

Mercury and Maia at Dundee, where they were positioned for the abortive seaplane distance record attempt in October 1938.

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

Maia moored off Rochester in February 1938.

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