The Short Sunderland entered service in 1938 and remained in production throughout the Second World War, with roughly 750 built by 1946. It served not only the Royal Air Force but also French, South African, and New Zealand forces. RAF use continued until 1959, while New Zealand retained the type until 1967. That longevity makes the Sunderland comparable to other adaptable wartime aircraft whose sound basic design could absorb changing demands rather than being replaced mid-conflict.
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The Short Sunderland's durable patrol service
Production from 1938 through 1946 and service into the postwar era made the Short Sunderland a durable maritime patrol aircraft across several Allied air forces.