Southampton flying boats as aerial sloop diplomacy

Four Southamptons had their weapons removed and received larger, stronger fuel tanks for long-distance visits. Their role resembled sloop diplomacy: the aircraft could do little on its own, but its arrival proved that Britain could reach the area and sustain contact. The Royal Australian Air Force operated former RAF examples, Turkey acquired the type, and the United States considered buying it. A flying boat could refuel and rearm in sheltered water beside a support ship, so the visit also implied that armed aircraft or heavier naval forces could follow.