- quality wooden model WWI and WWII airplanes -
- quality wooden model WWI and WWII airplanes -
De Havilland, DH-82a Tiger Moth, RAAF
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Photography by Action Asia Photo
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This classic British trainer first flew on October 26, 1931. It is one of a number of models of light aircraft named for moths in recognition of designer Geoffrey de Havilland's interest in moths and butterflies. The De Havilland Tiger Moth bi-plane became popular throughout the United Kingdom as the DH 60T trainer. This led to the DH 82A Tiger Moth, an improved version for the RAF which had a more powerful engine and plywood covered rear fuselage. It became the primary RAF trainer from the early 1930’s until the introduction of the De Havilland Chipmunk in the 1950’s. Total Tiger Moth production was 8,101 in Britain and 2,751 more in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United Kingdom, Tiger Moths performed a variety of wartime roles in addition to that of primary trainer that included submarine patrol and air ambulance. During WWII most Royal Air Force pilots trained in Tiger Moths including Americans who flew with the Eagle Squadrons before the US entered the war. At its peak the Tiger Moth equipped 28 elementary training schools in Britain, 25 in Canada, 12 in Australia, 7 in South Africa, 4 in Rhodesia and 2 in India. The US Army Air Forces in 1942 ordered 200 from De Havilland of Canada as the PT-24 but these were never delivered and were diverted to the Royal Canadian Air Force instead. After the war "zero timed" Tiger Moths could be brought for ten pounds (including a spare engine!) and the aircraft became the most popular aircraft in flying clubs all over Britain. Today Tiger Moths are continually being restored to flying condition all over the world and the nostalgic aircraft looks set to fly on forever. Crew:
Two
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