Thanks for all the replies. To me it would only seem logical if the very reason for Supermarine’s purchase were the commercial flying boats.

Surprise came today when I found the following at the pages of Spitfire Society (http://www.spitfiresociety.demon.co.uk/supermar.htm)

In 1928, with Supermarine showing itself to be an aircraft company to be reckoned with, but with some financial difficulties, an offer was made by Vickers (aviation) Ltd to partner Supermarine in the development of high speed flight. Consequently the company became Vickers Supermarine Ltd. of Woolston, Southampton.

With the new Rolls-Royce ‘R’ engine put into a redesigned S.5 aircraft a new plane was built and called the S.6. On the 7th September 1929, at Calshot, at least a million people saw the S.6 win the Schneider Trophy race for the second time in a row for Britain. One more win and the trophy would be Britain’s to keep.

After problems with the government withdrawing their support for the air race followed by the society of British Aircraft Constructors it looked like Supermarine would not have the financial backing required to build a contender for the 1931 Schneider contest. Fortunately the highly patriotic, very flamboyant and, more importantly, rich Lady Houston stepped in with a cheque for £100,000 for the British contender. This was very important not only for the Schneider Trophy but also for Supermarine’s and Mitchell’s study on high speed fighters for the Royal Air Force.

This text suggests that by 1928 Supermarine had financial difficulties due to their participation in high-speed racing, but Vickers came in to support just that programme.

Another interesting detail is the mention of the Government supporting the development Schneider racers financially. And who were the society of British Aircraft Constructors?

It would seem that the jury is still out on this one. :confused: