de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito 109″ Wingspan

de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito

Designer: Don Smith

Scale: 2” = 1 foot

Wing Span: 109 “

Wing Area: 1826 sq. inches

Length: 82 “

One of the first multi-role aircraft, the HD 89 Mosquito was used as a fast medium bomber, fighter, night fighter, tactical bomber, intruder, maritime strike and photo reconnaissances.  When entered into service, 1941, the Mosquito was the fastest aircraft in the world.  de Haviland designed the Mosquito to be built from timber and plywood as traditional materials were in short supply.  This theory did not totally work as plywood for it’s construction also became scarce and had to be imported from the USA. This plywood had a core of balsa wood.

This two man crew, pilot and navigator/bombardier, aircraft played many roles in the conquest of fortress Europe.  Along with the two Rolls Royce Merlin engines for speed, over 400 mph, the wood air frame was also somewhat stealthy against the German radar.

Whenever Britain needed a fast attack bomber, the Mosquito was called into action.  They were primarily used as tactical bombers.  Targets of personnel, building, bridges, factories, communication centers and even dams.

Nearly 8,000 Mosquitos were built in the 10 years they were in production in Great Britain, Canada and Australia.  They served in air forces of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Republic of China, People’s Republic of China, Czechoslovakia, Dominican Republic, France, Haiti, Israel, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, Soviet Union, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela and Yugoslavia.