The metal-hulled Blackburn Iris II N185, powered by three Rolls-Royce Condors.

THE SERVICE SCANDINAVIAN CRUISE: The one of the four R.A.F. flying-boats which are taking part in a cruise round Scandinavia. The metal-hull Blackburn Iris II N185 (three Rolls-Royce "Condors");
This aircraft was the original Iris I prototype, and had been relaunched as the Iris II shortly before the Scandinavian flight.

The Iris departs Felixstowe on August 12 for Copenhagen with Sir Samuel Hoare aboard.

The all-metal Short Singapore N179, powered by two Rolls-Royce Condors. Engine problems delayed its start to Copenhagen until the following day.

THE SERVICE SCANDINAVIAN CRUISE: The one of the four R.A.F. flying-boats which are taking part in a cruise round Scandinavia. The all-metal Short Singapore prototype N179 (two "Condors");
After a false start it completed the 3,000-mile tour without incident, and was later registered G-EBUP for use by Alan Cobham.

The Supermarine Southampton I N218, powered by two Napier Lions. The type was the standard coastal reconnaissance type of the RAF and was in service from 1925 until 1937.
Southampton N218 is seen here as a Mk III with two 485 h.p. Bristol Jupiter VIII engines. It has also been fitted with Handley Page slots on the leading edge of the upper wing.

Dramatic take-off photograph of the Saunders Valkyrie N186, the first away from Felixstowe on August 12, 1927 - the author was aboard as second pilot and cruise navigator.