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Afraes Collection

The Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan was a historic endeavor that saw the exchange of knowledge and technology between two nations

Background imageAfraes Collection: Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, four planes

Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, four planes
Advance Training Machines. William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS (1893-1965) was a Scottish peer and record-breaking air pioneer who was later shown to have passed secret

Background imageAfraes Collection: Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Avro 504

Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Avro 504
The Avro Flight (A) Staff, group photo with Avro 504. William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS (1893-1965)

Background imageAfraes Collection: Youngman-Baynes High-Lift VT789

Youngman-Baynes High-Lift VT789 ( Percival P.46 G-AMBL), at the 1948 SBAC Radlett air show. The High Lift was a one-off experimental, flying test-bed for the system of slotted flaps invented by R.T

Background imageAfraes Collection: Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Carrier Fighter

Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Carrier Fighter
Mitsubishi Navy type 10-2 Carrier Fighter on the landing on deck. William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS (1893-1965)

Background imageAfraes Collection: Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Supermarine

Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Supermarine
Supermarine Seagull Mk.II taxiing on a lake. William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS (1893-1965) was a Scottish peer

Background imageAfraes Collection: Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Sopwith Cuckoo

Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Sopwith Cuckoo
Torpedo Dropping Instruction, Sopwith Cuckoo making a big splash. William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS (1893-1965)

Background imageAfraes Collection: Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Blackburn Swift

Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Blackburn Swift
Blackburn Swift Mk.II (foreground) dropping a torpedo, with a Sopwith T.1 Cuckoo (background). William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC

Background imageAfraes Collection: Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Blackburn Swift

Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Blackburn Swift
Blackburn Swift Mk.II (foreground) dropping a torpedo, with a Sopwith T.1 Cuckoo in the background. William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC

Background imageAfraes Collection: Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Parnall Panthers

Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, Parnall Panthers
Fleet Training Squadron - Parnall Panthers (foreground) and Gloster Sparrowhawks (background) leaving Kasumi-ga-ura for fleet course at Yokosuka Naval Base

Background imageAfraes Collection: Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, flying boat

Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, flying boat
Bringing out the first Felixstowe F.5 flying boat for trial. William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC, AFRAeS (1893-1965)

Background imageAfraes Collection: Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, crashed plane

Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan, crashed plane
Instruction in Salving (Salvaging-) Machine - a crashed Gloster Sparrowhawk. William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill AFC

Background imageAfraes Collection: Sir Wilmot Hudson Fysh

Sir Wilmot Hudson Fysh, KBE, DFC, FRGSA, AFRAeS, MinstI, 1895-1974. Date: 1974


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The Sempill British Aviation Mission to Japan was a historic endeavor that saw the exchange of knowledge and technology between two nations. In an effort to strengthen their aviation capabilities, Japan sought assistance from Britain, leading to the formation of this mission. Four planes were at the forefront of this collaboration - the Youngman-Baynes High-Lift VT789, Avro 504, Carrier Fighter, and Supermarine. Each aircraft brought unique features and advancements in aviation technology. One standout among them was the Sopwith Cuckoo, which showcased its prowess as a carrier-based torpedo bomber. Its sleek design and precision made it an invaluable addition to Japan's naval forces. Another notable aircraft was the Blackburn Swift. This versatile plane served multiple purposes during its time with the mission - from reconnaissance missions to aerial photography. Its adaptability proved crucial in expanding Japan's military capabilities. However, not all ventures went smoothly for the mission. The Parnall Panthers faced unfortunate circumstances when one crashed during flight testing. Despite setbacks like these, they demonstrated resilience and determination throughout their journey. Furthermore, a flying boat played a significant role in enhancing Japan's maritime defense strategy. This amphibious aircraft provided unparalleled surveillance capabilities over vast oceanic territories. The Sempill British Aviation Mission left an indelible mark on both countries' aviation industries by fostering cooperation and sharing expertise. It paved the way for future collaborations that would shape modern aviation as we know it today.