(True), Westland built a number of twin float Wapiti aircraft, as used by among others, 84 Sqn RAF at Basrah, in the 1930's, along with standard models.
(Whiff) Trying to gain some of the floatplane market from Fairy etc, Westland tried to make a lighter floatplane using, a single center float with small outboards, to save weight and drag. They did better with the former than the latter, using the later Wallace aircraft.
The gunners position was not popular due to the airflow whipping round the canopy when raised. Later mods to add a clear side panel that raised with the rest did little to help.
Bombs, depth charges or SAR equipment could be carried, along with the two man crew, and it was in the latter role that the White shark had most success, in use with the SAAF in WW2. Fifteen were bought in 1936 and the remaining dozen served in wartime until February 1944, in the SAR role only, after October 1942.
SAAF aircraft scared two RN submarines and sank one German freighter, but helped save twenty three lives.
Another sixteen were sold throughout South America, in threes and fours, but details of service are vague.
Bomb load = 1,600lb, Guns, = 1x303 fired through prop by pilot, 1x 303 for gunner. Range fully loaded 380 miles, cruise 129 mph, top speed 152 mph, service ceiling 19,500 ft.
