Despite the prevalence of single-float seaplanes in several major navies, the Fleet Air Arm preferred twin seaboots on its aircraft. But at intervals, various types were tested with single central floats supplemented by small wingtip floats.
Osprey III S1700 was selected for one of these test programmes and was fitted with an Armstrong-Whitworth initially, a Short-built float also being supplied at a later point in the trials.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Hawker Osprey - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1930

In common with other central-float trials, test results did not convert the Air Ministry from its standard twin-float specification. From late 1935 to early 1937, spasmodic test flying and taxying was carried out the the Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment at Felixstowe until the float suffered damage during beaching and further tests were abandoned.
The airframe was removed to the RAF College at Cranwell to be used as an instructional airframe.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Hawker Osprey - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1930

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Hawker Osprey - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1930

The single-float Osprey III, S1700, tested at Felixstowe

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Hawker Osprey - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1930