Hamble Seaplane Lighter

3D Model

The remains of a steel WWI seaplane lighter located on the banks of the River Hamble. This 58ft seaplane lighter was designed to carry seaplanes in tow behind a destroyer, thereby increasing the plane’s effective range.

Deisnged and built locally the seaplane lighters where tested at nearby Calshot in 1917 before the admirilty commisioned Thorneycroft to build more, though fewer than 50 were ever built.

Towards the end of the war, wooden platforms were added, allowing planes to ‘lift off’ under the right conditions, effectively becoming the first type of aircraft carrier.

Fewer than 50 of these craft were built, two other examples are known to exist one located in Poole harbour and the other positively identified example undergoing conservation in the Fleet Air Museum at Yeovilton after recovery from the Thames.

With thanks to MAT volunteer Steve Harvey for drone work. Further information in the model annotation.