Saunders-Roe to build K7?

[Karl Ludvigsen]

In my research on the Crusader and the aftermath, including the Campbell K7, I have read that Saunders-Roe was originally in the frame to build the new Bluebird but withdrew when it was advised that it would definitely be a jet boat, not a prop job. Of course it was then made by Samlesbury Engineering, which up to then seemed to specialise in bus bodies.

I realise that this would be ironic in view of the donation of a Beryl jet from a Saunders-Roe SR.A/1 to power K7, but this must have been more a decision by Metrovick than of Saunders-Roe, which had no further need for the turbine.

Has anyone any recollection of such a change in the choice of manufacturer of Bluebird K7? Of course Saunders-Roe built the original Blue Bird K3 and seemed to make a good job of it.

Hidden agenda here. Why was Saunders-Roe not considered for production of Crusader? Or was it?

Well, one question at a time!

[Black Knight]

I'm sure i read it was down to time constraints. DC needed the boat completed in a certain timeframe & SARO couldn't meet it.

[Karl Ludvigsen]

Thanks a lot, Mike. That confirms what I've read elsewhere.

Much appreciated!