The Short Sunderland was a British flying boat designed and built by Short Brothers during the 1930s. It was primarily used by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy for maritime patrol, reconnaissance, and transport missions during World War II. The Sunderland was known for its large size, impressive range, and ability to operate from water, making it a versatile aircraft in various roles. With a wingspan of over 100 feet, the Sunderland could carry a crew of up to 11 and was equipped with multiple machine guns for defense. Its design allowed for effective search and rescue operations, as well as anti-submarine warfare, contributing significantly to the Allied efforts during the war.