19 March 1914

Capt M.F. Sueter and Lt D.H. Hyde-Thomson's Specification for "A Torpedo Carrying Seaplane" was issued 19 March 1914. A profile line drawing of a large heavily braced two-seat twin float machine was submitted with the specification, along with views of the methods for carrying the torpedo between the floats. Subsequently, the ungainly Sopwith Special Seaplane resembled the illustrated machine in Capt Sueter and Lt Hyde Thomson’s specification. The Special Seaplane was a disappointment, barely capable of lifting itself into the air. It never got airborne with its intended warload.