| DH.98 Mosquito | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Mosquito B Mk IV Series 2 bomber with No. 105 Squadron of the Royal Air Force | |
| General information | |
| Type | |
| National origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | de Havilland |
| Status | Retired |
| Primary users | Royal Air Force |
| Number built | 7,781[1] |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1940–1950 |
| Introduction date | 17 November 1941[2] |
| First flight | 25 November 1940[3] |
| Retired | 1963 |
Thede Havilland DH.98 Mosquito is a British twin-engined,multirole combat aircraft, introduced during theSecond World War. Unusual in that its airframe was constructed mostly of wood, it was nicknamed the "Wooden Wonder",[4] or "Mossie".[5][6] In 1941, it was one of the fastest operational aircraft in the world.[7]
Originally conceived as an unarmedfast bomber, the Mosquito's use evolved during the war into many roles, including low- to medium-altitude daytimetactical bomber, high-altitudenight bomber,pathfinder,day ornight fighter,fighter-bomber,intruder,maritime strike, andphoto-reconnaissance aircraft. It was also used by theBritish Overseas Airways Corporation as a fast transport to carry small, high-value cargo to and fromneutral countries throughenemy-controlled airspace.[8] The crew of two, pilot and navigator, sat side by side. A single passenger could ride in the aircraft's bomb bay when necessary.
The Mosquito FB Mk. VI was often flown in special raids, such asOperation Jericho (an attack on Amiens Prison in early 1944), and precision attacks against military intelligence, security, and police facilities (such asGestapo headquarters). On 30 January 1943, the 10th anniversary ofHitler being made chancellor and theNazis gaining power, a morning Mosquito attack knocked out the main Berlin broadcasting station whileHermann Göring was speaking, taking his speech off the air.
The Mosquito flew with theRoyal Air Force (RAF) and other air forces in theEuropean,Mediterranean, andItalian theatres. The Mosquito was also operated by the RAF in theSoutheast Asian theatre and by theRoyal Australian Air Force based inthe Moluccas andBorneo during thePacific War. During the 1950s, the RAF replaced the Mosquito with the jet-poweredEnglish Electric Canberra.
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By the early to mid-1930s,de Havilland had built a reputation for innovative high-speed aircraft with theDH.88 Comet racer. Later, theDH.91 Albatross airliner pioneered the composite wood construction used for the Mosquito. The 22-passenger Albatross could cruise at 210 mph (340 km/h) at 11,000 ft (3,400 m), faster than theHandley Page H.P.42 and other biplanes it was replacing.[9][a] The woodenmonocoque construction not only saved weight and compensated for the low power of thede Havilland Gipsy Twelve engines used by this aircraft, but also simplified production and reduced construction time.[10]
On 8 September 1936, the British Air Ministry issuedSpecification P.13/36, which called for a twin-engined medium bomber capable of carrying a bomb load of 3,000 lb (1,400 kg) for 3,000 mi (4,800 km) with a maximum speed of 275 mph (445 km/h) at 15,000 ft (4,600 m); a maximum bomb load of 8,000 lb (3,600 kg) carried over shorter ranges was also required.[11] Aviation firms entered heavy designs with new high-powered engines and multiple defensive turrets, leading to the production of theAvro Manchester andHandley Page Halifax.[12]
In May 1937, as a comparison to P.13/36,George Volkert, the chief designer ofHandley Page, put forward the concept of a fast, unarmed bomber. In 20 pages, Volkert planned an aerodynamically clean, medium bomber to carry 3,000 lb (1,400 kg) of bombs at a cruising speed of 300 mph (485 km/h). Support existed in the RAF and Air Ministry; Captain R. N. Liptrot, Research Director Aircraft 3, appraised Volkert's design, calculating that its top speed would exceed that of the newSupermarine Spitfire, but counter-arguments held that although such a design had merit, it would not necessarily be faster than enemy fighters for long.[13] The ministry was also considering using non-strategic materials for aircraft production, which, in 1938, had led to specification B.9/38 and theArmstrong Whitworth Albemarle medium bomber, largely constructed from spruce and plywood attached to a steel-tube frame. The idea of a small, fast bomber gained support at a much earlier stage than is sometimes acknowledged, though the Air Ministry likely envisaged it using light alloy components.[14]
Based on his experience with the Albatross, Geoffrey de Havilland believed that a bomber with a good aerodynamic design and smooth, minimal skin area, would exceed the P.13/36 specification.[15] Furthermore, adapting the Albatross principles could save time. In April 1938, performance estimates were produced for a twinRolls-Royce Merlin-powered DH.91, with theBristol Hercules (radial engine) andNapier Sabre (H-engine) as alternatives.[11] On 7 July 1938, de Havilland wrote toAir MarshalWilfrid Freeman, the Air Council's member for Research and Development, discussing the specification and arguing that in war, shortages of aluminium and steel would occur, but supplies of wood-based products were "adequate."[b] Although inferior intension, thestrength-to-weight ratio of wood is equal to or better than light alloys or steel, hence this approach was feasible.[11][15]Lord Beaverbrook, Minister of Aircraft Production, nicknamed it "Freeman's Folly", alluding to Air Chief Marshal SirWilfrid Freeman, who defendedGeoffrey de Havilland and his design concept against orders to scrap the project.[18]
A follow-up letter to Freeman on 27 July said that the P.13/36 specification could not be met by a twin Merlin-powered aircraft and either the top speed or load capacity would be compromised, depending on which was paramount. For example, a larger, slower, turret-armed aircraft would have a range of 1,500 mi (2,400 km) carrying a 4,000 lb bomb load, with a maximum of 260 mph (420 km/h) at 19,000 ft (5,800 m), and a cruising speed of 230 mph (370 km/h) at 18,000 ft (5,500 m). De Havilland believed that a compromise, including eliminating surplus equipment, would improve matters.[11] On 4 October 1938, de Havilland projected the performance of another design based on the Albatross, powered by two Merlin Xs, with a three-man crew and six or eight forward-firing guns, plus one or two manually operated guns and a tail turret. Based on a total loaded weight of 19,000 lb (8,600 kg), it would have a top speed of 300 mph (480 km/h) and cruising speed of 268 mph (431 km/h) at 22,500 ft (6,900 m).[12]
Still believing this could be improved, and after examining more concepts based on the Albatross and the new all-metalDH.95 Flamingo, de Havilland settled on designing a new aircraft that would be aerodynamically clean, wooden, and powered by the Merlin, which offered substantial future development.[12] The new design would be faster than foreseeable enemyfighter aircraft, and could dispense with defensive armament which would slow it and make interception or losses to antiaircraft guns more likely. Instead, high speed and good manoeuvrability would make evading fighters and ground fire easier.[12] The lack of turrets simplified production, reduced drag, and reduced production time, with a delivery rate far in advance of competing designs. Without armament, the crew could be reduced to a pilot and navigator. Whereas contemporary RAF design philosophy favoured well-armed heavy bombers, this mode of design was more akin to the German philosophy of theSchnellbomber.[19] At a meeting in early October 1938 with Geoffrey de Havilland and Charles Walker (de Havilland's chief engineer), the Air Ministry showed little interest, and instead asked de Havilland to build wings for other bombers as a subcontractor.[20]
By September 1939, de Havilland had produced preliminary estimates for single- and twin-engined variations of light-bomber designs using different engines, speculating on the effects of defensive armament on their designs.[21] One design, completed on 6 September, was for an aircraft powered by a single 2,000 hp (1,500 kW) Napier Sabre, with a wingspan of 47 ft (14 m) and capable of carrying a 1,000 lb (450 kg) bomb load 1,500 mi (2,400 km). On 20 September, in another letter to Wilfrid Freeman, de Havilland wrote "…we believe that we could produce a twin-engine bomber which would have a performance so outstanding that little defensive equipment would be needed."[21] By 4 October, work had progressed to a twin-engined light bomber with a wingspan of 51 ft (16 m) and powered by Merlin or Griffon engines, the Merlin favoured because of availability.[21] On 7 October 1939, a month into the war, the nucleus of a design team underEric Bishop moved to the security and secrecy ofSalisbury Hall to work on what was later known as the DH.98.[22][c] For more versatility, Bishop made provision for four 20 mm cannon in the forward half of thebomb bay, under the cockpit, firing via blast tubes and troughs under the fuselage.[24]
The DH.98 was too radical for the ministry, which wanted a heavily armed, multirole aircraft, combining medium bomber, reconnaissance, and general-purpose roles, that was also capable of carrying torpedoes.[25] With the outbreak of war, the ministry became more receptive, but was still sceptical about an unarmed bomber. They thought the Germans would produce fighters that were faster than had been expected.[26] and suggested the incorporation of two forward- and two rear-firing machine guns for defence.[27] The ministry also opposed a two-man bomber, wanting at least a third crewman to reduce the work of the others on long flights.[24] The Air Council added further requirements such as remotely controlled guns, a top speed of 275 mph (445 km/h) at 15,000 ft on two-thirds engine power, and a range of 3,000 mi (4,800 km) with a 4,000-lb bomb load.[27] To appease the ministry, de Havilland built mock-ups with a gun turret just aft of the cockpit, but apart from this compromise, de Havilland made no changes.[24]
On 12 November, at a meeting considering fast-bomber ideas put forward by de Havilland,Blackburn, andBristol, Air Marshal Freeman directed de Havilland to produce a fast aircraft, powered initially by Merlin engines, with options of using progressively more powerful engines, including theRolls-Royce Griffon and theNapier Sabre. Although estimates were presented for a slightly larger Griffon-powered aircraft, armed with a four-gun tail turret, Freeman got the requirement for defensive weapons dropped, and a draft requirement was raised calling for a high-speed, light-reconnaissance bomber capable of 400 mph (645 km/h) at 18,000 ft.[28]
On 12 December, theVice-Chief of the Air Staff, Director General of Research and Development, and theAir Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) ofRAF Bomber Command met to finalise the design and decide how to fit it into the RAF's aims. The AOC-in-C would not accept an unarmed bomber, but insisted on its suitability for reconnaissance missions with F8 orF24 cameras.[29] After company representatives, the ministry, and the RAF's operational commands examined a full-scale mock-up at Hatfield on 29 December 1939, the project received backing.[30] This was confirmed on 1 January 1940, when Freeman chaired a meeting with Geoffrey de Havilland, John Buchanan (Deputy of Aircraft Production), and John Connolly (Buchanan's chief of staff). De Havilland claimed the DH.98 was the "fastest bomber in the world… it must be useful". Freeman supported it for RAF service, ordering a single prototype for an unarmed bomber to specification B.1/40/dh, which called for a light bomber/reconnaissance aircraft powered by two 1,280 hp (950 kW) Rolls-Royce RM3SM (an early designation for the Merlin 21) withducted radiators, capable of carrying a 1,000 lb (450 kg) bomb load.[22][29] The aircraft was to have a speed of 400 mph (640 km/h) at 24,000 ft (7,300 m) and a cruising speed of 325 mph (525 km/h) at 26,500 ft (8,100 m) with a range of 1,500 mi (2,400 km) at 25,000 ft (7,600 m) on full tanks. Maximum service ceiling was to be 32,000 ft (9,800 m).[29]
On 1 March 1940,Air MarshalRoderic Hill issued a contract under Specification B.1/40, for 50 bomber-reconnaissance variants of the DH.98; this contract included the prototype, which was given thefactory serialE-0234.[31][32] In May 1940, specification F.21/40 was issued, calling for a long-range fighter armed with four 20 mm cannon and four .303 machine guns in the nose, after which de Havilland was authorised to build a prototype of a fighter version of the DH.98. After debate, it was decided that this prototype, given themilitary serial numberW4052, was to carryaircraft interception (AI) Mk IV radar equipment as both a day fighter and night fighter.[d] By June 1940, the DH.98 had been named "Mosquito".[30] Having the fighter variant kept the Mosquito project alive, as doubts remained within the government and Air Ministry regarding the usefulness of an unarmed bomber, even after the prototype had shown its capabilities.[30]
With design of the DH.98 started, mock-ups were built, the most detailed at Salisbury Hall, whereE-0234 was later constructed. Initially, the concept was for the crew to be enclosed in the fuselage behind atransparent nose (similar to theBristol Blenheim orHeinkel He 111H), but this was quickly altered to a more solid nose with a conventional canopy.[33]
Work was cancelled again after theevacuation of the British Army from France, whenLord Beaverbrook, asMinister of Aircraft Production, concentrating production on aircraft types for the defence of the UK decided no production capacity remained for aircraft like the DH.98, which was not expected to be in service until early 1942. Beaverbrook told Air Vice-Marshal Freeman that work on the project should stop, but he did not issue a specific instruction, and Freeman ignored the request.[34] In June 1940, however, Lord Beaverbrook and the Air Staff ordered that production should concentrate on five existing types, namely theSupermarine Spitfire,Hawker Hurricane fighter,Vickers Wellington,Armstrong-Whitworth Whitley, andBristol Blenheim bombers.[29] Work on the DH.98 prototype stopped. Apparently, the project shut down when the design team were denied materials for the prototype.[35]
The Mosquito was only reinstated as a priority in July 1940, after de Havilland's general manager, L.C.L. Murray, promised Lord Beaverbrook 50 Mosquitoes by December 1941. This was only after Beaverbrook was satisfied that Mosquito production would not hinder de Havilland's primary work of producingTiger Moth andAirspeed Oxford trainers, repairingHurricanes, and manufacturing Merlin engines under licence.[35] In promising Beaverbrook such a number by the end of 1941, de Havilland was taking a gamble, because they were unlikely to be built in such a limited time. As it transpired, only 20 aircraft were built in 1941, but the other 30 were delivered by mid-March 1942.[36] During theBattle of Britain, interruptions to production due to air raid warnings caused nearly a third of de Havilland's factory time to be lost.[37] Nevertheless, work on the prototype went ahead quickly at Salisbury Hall sinceE-0234 was completed by November 1940.[38]
In the aftermath of the Battle of Britain, the original order was changed to 20 bomber variants and 30 fighters. Whether the fighter version should have dual or single controls, or should carry a turret, was still uncertain, so three prototypes were built:W4052,W4053, andW4073. The second and third, both turret armed, were later disarmed, to become the prototypes for the T.III trainer.[39] This caused some delays, since half-built wing components had to be strengthened for the required higher combat loading. The nose sections also had to be changed from a design with a clearperspex bomb-aimer's position, to one with a solid nose housing four .303 machine guns and their ammunition.[20]
On 3 November 1940, the prototype aircraft, painted in "prototype yellow" and still codedE-0234, was dismantled, transported by road toHatfield and placed in a small, blast-proof assembly building. Two Merlin 21 two-speed, single-stage supercharged engines were installed, driving three-bladed de Havilland Hydromatic constant-speedcontrollable-pitch propellers. Engine runs were made on 19 November.[40] On 24 November, taxiing trials were carried out byGeoffrey de Havilland Jr., the de Havillandtest pilot. On 25 November, the aircraft made its first flight, piloted by de Havilland Jr., accompanied by John E. Walker, the chief engine installation designer.[e]
For this maiden flight,E-0234, weighing 14,150 lb (6,420 kg), took off from the grass airstrip at Hatfield. The takeoff was reported as "straightforward and easy" and the undercarriage was not retracted until a considerable altitude was attained.[41] The aircraft reached 220 mph (355 km/h), with the only problem being the undercarriage doors, which were operated bybungee cords attached to the main undercarriage legs, and remained open by some 12 in (300 mm) at that speed.[41] This problem persisted for some time. The left wing ofE-0234 also had a tendency to drag slightly to port, so a slight change in the angle of the wing was carried out before further flights.[40][f]
On 5 December 1940, the prototype, with themilitary serial numberW4050, experienced tail buffeting at speeds between 240 and 255 mph (385 and 410 km/h). The pilot noticed this most in the control column, with handling becoming more difficult. During testing on 10 December, wool tufts were attached to suspect areas to investigate the direction of airflow. The conclusion was that the airflow separating from the rear section of the inner enginenacelles was disturbed, leading to a localisedstall and the disturbed airflow was striking the tailplane, causing buffeting. To smooth the air flow and deflect it from forcefully striking the tailplane, nonretractableslots fitted to the inner engine nacelles and to the leading edge of the tailplane were tested.[44] These slots and wing-root fairings fitted to the forward fuselage and leading edge of the radiator intakes stopped some of the vibration experienced, but did not cure the tailplane buffeting.[45]
In February 1941, buffeting was eliminated by incorporating triangular fillets on the trailing edge of the wings and lengthening the nacelles, the trailing edge of which curved up to fair into the fillet some 10 in (250 mm) behind the wing's trailing edge; this meant theflaps had to be divided into inboard and outboard sections.[46][g] With the buffeting problems largely resolved,John Cunningham flewW4050 on 9 February 1941. He was greatly impressed by the "lightness of the controls and generally pleasant handling characteristics". Cunningham concluded that when the type was fitted withAI equipment, it might replace theBristol Beaufighter night fighter.[46]
During its trials on 16 January 1941,W4050 outpaced a Spitfire at 6,000 ft (1,800 m). The original estimates were that as the Mosquito prototype had twice the surface area and over twice the weight of theSpitfire Mk.II, but also had twice its power, the Mosquito would be 20 mph (30 km/h) faster. Over the next few months,W4050 surpassed this estimate, easily beating the Spitfire Mk.II in tests atRAF Boscombe Down in February 1941, reaching a top speed of 392 mph (631 km/h) at 22,000 ft (6,700 m), compared to a top speed of 360 mph (580 km/h) at 19,500 ft (5,900 m) for the Spitfire.[3]
On 19 February, official trials began at theAeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (AAEE) based at Boscombe Down, although the de Havilland representative was surprised by a delay in starting the tests.[47] On 24 February, asW4050 taxied across the rough airfield, the tailwheel jammed leading to the fuselage fracturing. Repairs were made by early March, using part of the fuselage of the photo-reconnaissance prototypeW4051.[h] In spite of this setback, theInitial Handling Report 767 issued by the AAEE stated, "The aeroplane is pleasant to fly… aileron control light and effective ..." The maximum speed reached was 388 mph (624 km/h) at 22,000 ft (6,700 m), with an estimated maximum ceiling of 34,000 ft (10,000 m) and a maximum rate of climb of 2,880 ft/min (880 m/min) at 11,500 ft (3,500 m).[47]
W4050 continued to be used for various test programmes, as the experimental "workhorse" for the Mosquito family.[48] In late October 1941, it returned to the factory to be fitted withMerlin 61s, the first production Merlins fitted with a two-speed, two-stage supercharger. The first flight with the new engines was on 20 June 1942.[49]W4050 recorded a maximum speed of 428 mph (689 km/h) at 28,500 ft (8,700 m) (fitted with straight-through air intakes with snow guards, engines in full supercharger gear) and 437 mph (703 km/h) at 29,200 ft (8,900 m) without snow guards.[50][i] In October 1942, in connection with development work on the NF Mk.XV,W4050 was fitted with extended wingtips, increasing the span to 59 ft 2 in (18.03 m), first flying in this configuration on 8 December.[51] Fitted with high-altitude-rated, two-stage, two-speed Merlin 77s, it reached 439 mph (707 km/h) in December 1943.[7] Soon after these flights,W4050 was grounded and scheduled to be scrapped, but instead served as an instructional airframe at Hatfield. In September 1958,W4050 was returned to the Salisbury Hall hangar where it was built, restored to its original configuration, and became one of the primary exhibits of thede Havilland Aircraft Heritage Centre.[52][53]
W4051, which was designed from the outset to be the prototype for the photo-reconnaissance versions of the Mosquito, was slated to make its first flight in early 1941. However, the fuselage fracture inW4050 meant thatW4051's fuselage was used as a replacement;W4051 was then rebuilt using a production standard fuselage and first flew on 10 June 1941. This prototype continued to use the short engine nacelles, single-piece trailing-edge flaps, and the 19 ft 5.5 in (5.931 m) "No. 1" tailplane used byW4050, but had production-standard 54 ft 2 in (16.51 m) wings and became the only Mosquito prototype to fly operationally.[54]
Construction of the fighter prototype,W4052, was also carried out at Salisbury Hall. It was powered by 1,460 hp (1,090 kW) Merlin 21s, and had an altered canopy structure with a flat, bullet-proof windscreen; the solid nose had mounted four .303 BritishBrowning machine guns and their ammunition boxes, accessible by a large, sideways hinged panel.[55] Four 20-mmHispano Mk.II cannon were housed in a compartment under the cockpit floor with the breeches projecting into the bomb bay and the automatic bomb bay doors were replaced by manually operated bay doors, which incorporated cartridge ejector chutes.[56]
As a day and night fighter, prototypeW4052 was equipped with AI Mk IV equipment, complete with an "arrowhead" transmission aerial mounted between the central Brownings and receiving aerials through the outer wing tips, and it was painted in black RDM2a "Special Night" finish.[57][j] It was also the first prototype constructed with the extended engine nacelles.[59]W4052 was later tested with other modifications, including bomb racks, drop tanks,barrage balloon cable cutters in the leading edge of the wings, Hamilton airscrews and braking propellers, and drooping aileron systems that enabled steep approaches and a larger rudder tab. It continued to serve as a test machine until it was scrapped on 28 January 1946.[7]4055 flew the first operational Mosquito flight on 17 September 1941.[60]
During flight testing, the Mosquito prototypes were modified to test a number of configurations.W4050 was fitted with a turret behind the cockpit for drag tests, after which the idea was abandoned in July 1941.W4052 had the first version of theYoungman Frill airbrake fitted to the fighter prototype. The frill was mounted around the fuselage behind the wing and was opened by bellows andventuri effect to provide rapid deceleration during interceptions and was tested between January and August 1942, but was also abandoned when lowering the undercarriage was found to have the same effect with less buffeting.[60]
The Air Ministry authorised mass production plans on 21 June 1941, by which time the Mosquito had become one of the world's fastest operational aircraft.[61] It ordered 19 photo-reconnaissance (PR) models and 176 fighters. A further 50 were unspecified; in July 1941, these were confirmed to be unarmed fast bombers.[61] By the end of January 1942, contracts had been awarded for 1,378 Mosquitoes of all variants, including 20 T.III trainers and 334 FB.VI bombers. Another 400 were to be built byde Havilland Canada.[62]
On 20 April 1941,W4050 was demonstrated to Lord Beaverbrook, theMinister of Aircraft Production. The Mosquito made a series of flights, including one rolling climb on one engine. Also present were US GeneralHenry H. Arnold and his aideMajorElwood Quesada, who wrote "I… recall the first time I saw the Mosquito as being impressed by its performance, which we were aware of. We were impressed by the appearance of the airplane that looks fast usually is fast, and the Mosquito was, by the standards of the time, an extremely well-streamlined airplane, and it was highly regarded, highly respected."[63][64]
The trials set up future production plans between Britain,Australia, andCanada. Six days later, Arnold returned to America with a full set of manufacturer's drawings. As a result of his report, five companies (Beech,Curtiss-Wright,Fairchild, Fleetwings, and Hughes) were asked to evaluate the de Havilland data. The report by Beech Aircraft summed up the general view: "It appears as though this airplane has sacrificed serviceability, structural strength, ease of construction and flying characteristics in an attempt to use construction material which is not suitable for the manufacture of efficient airplanes."[65][page needed] The Americans did not pursue the proposal for licensed production, the consensus arguing that theLockheed P-38 Lightning could fulfill the same duties. However, Arnold urged theUnited States Army Air Forces (USAAF) to evaluate the design even if they would not adopt it. On 12 December 1941, after theattack on Pearl Harbor, the USAAF requested one airframe for this purpose.[60]
While timber construction for aircraft was considered outmoded by some, de Havilland claimed that their successes with techniques used for the DH 91 Albatross could lead to a fast, light bomber using monocoque-sandwich shell construction.[66] Arguments in favour of this included speed of prototyping, rapid development, minimisation of jig-building time, and employment of a separate category of workforce; many production facilities and skilled carpenters that previously manufactured furniture were repurposed to create components for the Mosquito, leveraging an existing workforce whose expertise was generally not being utilised during the war effort.[67][68]
The ply-balsa-ply monocoque fuselage and one-piece wings with doped fabric covering would give excellent aerodynamic performance and low weight, combined with strength and stiffness. At the same time, the design team had to fight conservative Air Ministry views on defensive armament. Guns and gun turrets, favoured by the ministry, would impair the aircraft's aerodynamic properties and reduce speed and manoeuvrability, in the opinion of the designers. Whilst submitting these arguments, Geoffrey de Havilland funded his private venture until a very late stage. The project was a success beyond all expectations.[69][70]
As a multi-role warplane, the Mosquito came in multiple versions: photo-reconnaissance (PR), bomber (B), fighter (F), night fighter (NF), fighter-bomber (FB), torpedo bomber (TR) with fold-up wings to fit more on a carrier, and trainer (T), each with varying modifications and weapon loadouts. Typical gun armament was four .303 caliber Browning machine guns and four 20 mm Hispano autocannons. Bomb load could be up to 4,000 lb (1,800 kg), allowing the Mosquito to carry a single "Cookie" blockbuster bomb, or a number of smaller ones.[71]
The most-produced variant,designated the FB Mk. VI (Fighter-bomber Mark 6), was powered by two Merlin Mk.23 or Mk.25 engines driving three-bladed de Havilland hydromatic propellers. The typical fixed armament for an FB Mk. VI was four Browning .303 machine guns and four 20-mm Hispano cannons, while the offensive load consisted of up to 2,000 lb (910 kg) of bombs, or eightRP-3 unguided rockets.[72]
The design was noted for light and effective control surfaces that provided good manoeuvrability, but required that the rudder not be used aggressively at high speeds. Poor aileron control at low speeds when landing and taking off was also a problem for inexperienced crews.[73] For flying at low speeds, the flaps had to be set at 15°, speed reduced to 200 mph (320 km/h), andrpm set to 2,650. The speed could be reduced to an acceptable 150 mph (240 km/h) for low-speed flying.[74] For cruising, the optimum speed for obtaining maximum range was 200 mph (320 km/h) at 17,000 lb (7,700 kg) weight.[74]
The Mosquito had a high stalling speed of 120 mph (190 km/h) with undercarriage and flaps raised. When both were lowered, the stalling speed decreased from 120 to 100 mph (190 to 160 km/h). Stall speed at normal approach angle and conditions was 100 to 110 mph (160 to 180 km/h). Warning of the stall was given by buffeting and would occur 12 mph (19 km/h) before stall was reached. The conditions and impact of the stall were not severe. The wing did not drop unless the control column was pulled back. The nose drooped gently and recovery was easy.[74]
Early on in the Mosquito's operational life, the intake shrouds that were to cool the exhausts on production aircraft overheated. Flame dampers prevented exhaust glow on night operations, but they had an effect on performance. Multiple ejector and open-ended exhaust stubs helped solve the problem and were used in the PR.VIII, B.IX, and B.XVI variants. This increased speed performance in the B.IX alone by 10 to 13 mph (16 to 21 km/h).[7]
The oval-section fuselage was a frameless monocoque shell built in two vertically separate halves formed over amahogany orconcrete mould.[k] Pressure was applied withband clamps. Some of the 1/2—3/4" shell sandwich skins comprised 3/32" birch three-ply outers, with 7/16" cores of Ecuadoreanbalsa.[75][76][l] In many generally smaller but vital areas, such as around apertures and attachment zones, stronger timbers, including aircraft-quality spruce, replaced the balsa core. The main areas of the sandwich skin were only 0.55 in (14 mm) thick.[77] Together with various forms of wood reinforcement, often of laminated construction, the sandwich skin gave great stiffness and torsional resistance. The separate fuselage halves speeded construction, permitting access by personnel working in parallel with others, as the work progressed.[78]
Work on the separate half-fuselages included installation of control mechanisms and cabling. Screwed inserts into the inner skins that would be under stress in service were reinforced using round shear plates made from a fabric-Bakelite composite.[79]
Transverse bulkheads were also compositely built-up with several species of timber, plywood, and balsa. Seven vertically halved bulkheads were installed within each moulded fuselage shell before the main "boxing up" operation. Bulkhead number seven was especially strongly built, since it carried the fitments and transmitted the aerodynamic loadings for the tailplane and rudder.[80][m] The fuselage had a large ventral section cut-out, strongly reinforced, that allowed the fuselage to be lowered onto the wing centre-section at a later stage of assembly.[82][83]
For early production aircraft, the structural assembly adhesive wascasein-based. At a later stage, this was replaced by "Aerolite", a syntheticurea-formaldehyde type, which was more durable.[84][n] To provide for the edge joints for the fuselage halves, zones near the outer edges of the shells had their balsa sandwich cores replaced by much stronger inner laminations of birch plywood. For the bonding together of the two halves ("boxing up"), a longitudinal cut was machined into these edges. The profile of this cut was a form of V-groove. Part of the edge bonding process also included adding further longitudinal plywood lap strips on the outside of the shells.[87][82] The half bulkheads of each shell were bonded to their corresponding pair in a similar way. Two laminated wooden clamps were used in the after portion of the fuselage to provide supports during this complex gluing work. The resulting large structural components had to be kept completely still and held in the correct environment until the glue cured.[78][88]
For finishing, a covering ofdopedmadapollam (a fine, plain-woven cotton) fabric was stretched tightly over the shell and several coats of red, followed by silver dope, were added, followed by the final camouflage paint.[89]
The all-wood wing pairs formed a single structural unit throughout the wingspan, with no central longitudinal joint.[91] Instead, the spars ran from wingtip to wingtip. There was a single continuous main spar and another continuous rear spar. Because of the combination of dihedral with the forward sweep of the trailing edges of the wings, this rear spar was one of the most complex units to laminate and to finish machining after the bonding and curing. It had to produce the correct 3D tilt in each of two planes. Also, it was designed and made to taper from the wing roots towards the wingtips. Both principal spars were of ply box construction, using in general 0.25-in plywood webs with laminated spruce flanges, plus a number of additional reinforcements and special details.[citation needed]
Spruce and plywood ribs were connected with gusset joints. Some heavy-duty ribs contained pieces of ash and walnut, as well as the special five ply that included veneers laid up at 45°. The upper skin construction was in two layers of 0.25-in five-ply birch, separated by Douglas fir stringers running in the span-wise direction.[92] The wings were covered with madapollam fabric and doped in a similar manner to the fuselage. The wing was installed into the roots by means of four large attachment points.[93][94] The engine radiators were fitted in the inner wing, just outboard of the fuselage on either side. These gave less drag. The radiators themselves were split into three sections: an oil cooler section outboard, the middle section forming the coolant radiator and the inboard section serving the cabin heater.[95]
The wing contained metal-framed and -skinnedailerons, but the flaps were made of wood and were hydraulically controlled. The nacelles were mostly wood, although for strength, the engine mounts were all metal, as were the undercarriage parts.[96] Engine mounts of welded steel tube were added, along with simplelanding gear oleos filled with rubber blocks. Wood was used to carry only in-plane loads, with metal fittings used for all triaxially loaded components such as landing gear, engine mounts, control-surface mounting brackets, and the wing-to-fuselage junction.[97] The outer leading wing edge had to be brought 22 in (56 cm) further forward to accommodate this design.[95] The main tail unit was all wood built. The control surfaces, therudder, andelevator werealuminium-framed and fabric-covered.[96] The total weight of metal castings and forgings used in the aircraft was only 280 lb (130 kg).[98]
In November 1944, several crashes occurred in theFar East. At first, these were thought to be a result of wing-structure failures. The casein glue, it was said, cracked when exposed to extreme heat and/or monsoon conditions. This caused the upper surfaces to lift from the main spar. An investigating team led by MajorHereward de Havilland travelled to India and produced a report in early December 1944 stating, "the accidents were not caused by the deterioration of the glue, but byshrinkage of the airframe during the wet monsoon season".[o] However, a later inquiry by Cabot & Myers firmly attributed the accidents to faulty manufacture and this was confirmed by a further investigation team by the Ministry of Aircraft Production atDefford, which found faults in six Mosquito marks (all built at de Havilland's Hatfield and Leavesden plants). The defects were similar, and none of the aircraft had been exposed to monsoon conditions or termite attack.[citation needed]
The investigators concluded that construction defects occurred at the two plants. They found that the "…standard of glueing… left much to be desired."[100][101] Records at the time showed that accidents caused by "loss of control" were three times more frequent on Mosquitoes than on any other type of aircraft. The Air Ministry forestalled any loss of confidence in the Mosquito by holding to Major de Havilland's initial investigation in India that the accidents were caused "largely by climate".[102] To solve the problem of seepage into the interior, a strip of plywood was set along the span of the wing to seal the entire length of the skin joint.[100]
The fuel systems gave the Mosquito good range and endurance, using up to nine fuel tanks. Two outer wing tanks each contained 58 imp gal (70 US gal; 260 L) of fuel.[103] These were complemented by two inner wing fuel tanks, each containing 143 imp gal (172 US gal; 650 L), located between the wing root and engine nacelle. In the central fuselage were twin fuel tanks mounted between bulkhead number two and three aft of the cockpit.[104] In the FB.VI, these tanks contained 25 imp gal (30 US gal; 110 L) each,[103] while in the B.IV and other unarmed Mosquitoes each of the two centre tanks contained 68 imp gal (82 US gal; 310 L).[105][106] Both the inner wing, and fuselage tanks are listed as the "main tanks" and the total internal fuel load of 452 imp gal (545 US gal; 2,055 L) was initially deemed appropriate for the type.[103] In addition, the FB Mk. VI could have larger fuselage tanks, increasing the capacity to 63 imp gal (76 US gal; 290 L). Drop tanks of 50 imp gal (60 US gal; 230 L) or 100 imp gal (120 US gal; 450 L) could be mounted under each wing, increasing the total fuel load to 615 or 715 imp gal (739 or 859 US gal; 2,800 or 3,250 L).[103]
The design of the Mk.VI allowed for a provisional long-range fuel tank to increase range for action over enemy territory, for the installation of bomb release equipment specific todepth charges for strikes against enemy shipping, or for the simultaneous use of rocket projectiles along with a 100 imp gal (120 US gal; 450 L) drop tank under each wing supplementing the main fuel cells.[107] The FB.VI had a wingspan of 54 ft 2 in (16.51 m), a length (over guns) of 41 ft 2 in (12.55 m). It had a maximum speed of 378 mph (608 km/h) at 13,200 ft (4,000 m). Maximum take-off weight was 22,300 lb (10,100 kg) and the range of the aircraft was 1,120 mi (1,800 km) with a service ceiling of 26,000 ft (7,900 m).[108]
To reduce fuel vaporisation at the high altitudes of photographic reconnaissance variants, the central and inner wing tanks were pressurised. The pressure venting cock located behind the pilot's seat controlled the pressure valve. As the altitude increased, the valve increased the volume applied by a pump. This system was extended to include field modifications of the fuel tank system.[109]
The engine oil tanks were in the engine nacelles. Each nacelle contained a 15 imp gal (18 US gal; 68 L) oil tank, including a 2.5 imp gal (3.0 US gal; 11 L) air space. The oil tanks themselves had no separate coolant controlling systems. The coolant header tank was in the forward nacelle, behind the propeller. The remaining coolant systems were controlled by the coolant radiators shutters in the forward inner wing compartment, between the nacelle and the fuselage and behind the main engine cooling radiators, which were fitted in the leading edge. Electric-pneumatic operated radiator shutters directed and controlled airflow through the ducts and into the coolant valves, to predetermined temperatures.[110]
Electrical power came from a 24 volt DC generator on the starboard (No. 2) engine and an alternator on the port engine, which also supplied AC power for radios.[111] The radiator shutters, supercharger gear change, gun camera, bomb bay, bomb/rocket release and all the other crew controlled instruments were powered by a 24 V battery.[110] The radio communication devices includedVHF and HF communications,GEE navigation, andIFF and G.P. devices. The electric generators also powered the fire extinguishers. Located on the starboard side of the cockpit, the switches would operate automatically in the event of a crash. In flight, a warning light would flash to indicate a fire, should the pilot not already be aware of it. In later models, to save liquids and engine clean up time in case of belly landing, the fire extinguisher was changed to semi-automatic triggers.[112]
The main landing gear, housed in the nacelles behind the engines, were raised and lowered hydraulically. The main landing gear shock absorbers were de Havilland manufactured and used a system of rubber in compression, rather than hydraulic oleos, with twin pneumatic brakes for each wheel.[111] The Dunlop-Marstrandanti-shimmy tailwheel was also retractable.
The de Havilland Mosquito operated in many roles, performingmedium bomber,reconnaissance,tactical strike,anti-submarine warfare, shipping attacks andnight fighter duties, until the end of the war.[113] On the 13th of July 1941, the first production PR MosquitoW4051[114] (a production fuselage combined with some prototype flying surfaces – see Prototypes and test flights) was sent to No. 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU), atRAF Benson.[115] The secret reconnaissance flights of this aircraft were the first operational missions of the Mosquito. In 1944, the journalFlight gave 19 September 1941 as date of the first PR mission, at an altitude "of some 20,000 ft".[116]
On 15 November 1941,105 Squadron, RAF, took delivery at RAF Swanton Morley, Norfolk, of the first operational Mosquito Mk. B.IV bomber, serial no.W4064.[117] Throughout 1942, 105 Squadron, based next at RAF Horsham St. Faith, then from 29 September, RAF Marham, undertook daylight low-level and shallow dive attacks.[118][p] Apart from the Oslo and Berlin raids, the strikes were mainly on industrial and infrastructure targets in occupied Netherlands and Norway, France and northern and western Germany.[119] The crews faced deadly flak and fighters, particularlyFocke-Wulf Fw 190s, which they calledsnappers. Germany still controlled continental airspace and the Fw 190s were often already airborne and at an advantageous altitude. Collisions within the formations also caused casualties. It was the Mosquito's excellent handling capabilities, rather than pure speed, that facilitated successful evasions.[120]
The Mosquito was first announced publicly on 26 September 1942 after theOslo Mosquito raid of 25 September. It was featured inThe Times on 28 September and the next day the newspaper published two captioned photographs illustrating the bomb strikes and damage.[121][122] On 6 December 1942, Mosquitoes from Nos. 105 and 139 Squadrons made up part of the bomber force used inOperation Oyster, the large No. 2 Group raid against thePhilips works atEindhoven.[123][124][125]
From mid-1942 to mid-1943, Mosquito bombers flew high-speed, medium and low-altitude daylight missions against factories, railways and other pinpoint targets in Germany and German-occupied Europe. From June 1943, Mosquito bombers were formed into theLight Night Striking Force to guideRAF Bomber Command heavy bomber raids and as "nuisance" bombers, droppingBlockbuster bombs – 4,000 lb (1,800 kg) "cookies" – in high-altitude, high-speed raids that German night fighters were almost powerless to intercept.[citation needed]
As a night fighter from mid-1942, the Mosquito interceptedLuftwaffe raids on Britain, notably those ofOperation Steinbock in 1944. Starting in July 1942, Mosquito night-fighter units raidedLuftwaffe airfields. As part of100 Group, it was flown as a night fighter and as an intruder supporting Bomber Command heavy bombers that reduced losses during 1944 and 1945.[126][q]
The Mosquitofighter-bomber served as astrike aircraft in theSecond Tactical Air Force (2TAF) from its inception on 1 June 1943.[127] The main objective was to prepare for the invasion of occupied Europe a year later. InOperation Overlord three Mosquito FB Mk. VI wings flew close air support for the Allied armies in co-operation with other RAF units equipped with theNorth American B-25 Mitchell medium bomber. In the months between the foundation of 2TAF and its duties fromD day onwards, vital training was interspersed with attacks onV-1 flying bomb launch sites.[128]
In another example of the daylight precision raids carried out by the Mosquitoes of Nos. 105 and 139 Squadrons, on 30 January 1943, the 10th anniversary of theNazis' seizure of power, a morning Mosquito attack knocked out the main Berlin broadcasting station whileLuftwaffe ChiefReichsmarschallHermann Göring was speaking, putting his speech off the air. A second sortie in the afternoon inconvenienced another speech, by Propaganda MinisterJoseph Goebbels.[129] Lecturing a group of German aircraft manufacturers, Göring said:
In 1940 I could at least fly as far as Glasgow in most of my aircraft, but not now! It makes me furious when I see the Mosquito. I turn green and yellow with envy. The British, who can afford aluminium better than we can, knock together a beautiful wooden aircraft that every piano factory over there is building, and they give it a speed which they have now increased yet again. What do you make of that? There is nothing the British do not have. They have the geniuses and we have the nincompoops. After the war is over I'm going to buy a British radio set – then at least I'll own something that has always worked.[130]
During this daylight-raiding phase, Nos. 105 and 139 Squadrons flew 139 combat operations and aircrew losses were high.[131] Even the losses incurred in the squadrons' dangerousBlenheim era were exceeded in percentage terms. The Roll of Honour shows 51 aircrew deaths from the end of May 1942 to April 1943.[132] In the corresponding period, crews gained three Mentions in Despatches, two DFMs and three DFCs. The low-level daylight attacks finished on 27 May 1943 with strikes on the Schott glass and Zeiss instrument works, both inJena. Subsequently, when low-level precision attacks required Mosquitoes, they were allotted to squadrons operating the FB.IV version. Examples include theAarhus air raid andOperation Jericho.[citation needed]
Since the beginning of the year, the German fighter force had become seriously overstretched.[133] In April 1943, in response to "political humiliation" caused by the Mosquito, Göring ordered the formation of specialLuftwaffe units (Jagdgeschwader 25, commanded byOberstleutnantHerbert Ihlefeld andJagdgeschwader 50, underMajorHermann Graf) to combat the Mosquito attacks, though these units, which were "little more than glorified squadrons", were unsuccessful against the elusive RAF aircraft.[134] Post-war German histories also indicate that there was a belief within the Luftwaffe that Mosquito aircraft "gave only a weak radar signal."[135][r]
The first Mosquito Squadron to be equipped with theOboe bomb aiming system was No. 109, based at RAF Wyton, after working as an experimental unit atRAF Boscombe Down. They used Oboe operationally for the first time on 31 December 1942 and 1 January 1943, target marking for a force of heavy bombers attacking Düsseldorf.[138][s] On 1 June, the two pioneering Squadrons joined No. 109 Squadron in the re-formedNo. 8 Group RAF (Bomber Command). Initially they were engaged in moderately high altitude (about 10,000 ft (3,000 m)) night bombing, with 67 trips during that summer, mainly to Berlin. Soon after, Nos. 105 and 139 Squadron bombers were widely used by theRAF Pathfinder Force, marking targets for the main night-timestrategic bombing force.[139][140]
Particularly after the introduction ofH2S (radar) in some Mosquitoes, raids carrying large bombs succeeded to the extent that they provided a significant additional form of attack to the large formations of "heavies."[141] Latterly in the war, there were a significant number of all-Mosquito raids on big German cities involving up to 100 or more aircraft. On the night of 20/21 February 1945, for example, Mosquitoes of No. 8 Group mounted the first of 36 consecutive night raids on Berlin.[142]
From 1943, Mosquitoes withRAF Coastal Command attackedKriegsmarineU-boats and intercepted transport ship concentrations. AfterOperation Overlord, the U-boat threat in the Western Approaches decreased fairly quickly, but correspondingly the Norwegian and Danish waters posed greater dangers. Hence the RAF Coastal Command Mosquitoes were moved to Scotland to counter this threat. The Strike Wing at Banff stood up in September 1944 and comprised Mosquito aircraft of No's 143, 144, 235 and 248 Squadrons Royal Air Force and No.333 Squadron Royal Norwegian Air Force. Despite an initially high loss rate, the Mosquito bomber variants ended the war with the lowest losses of any aircraft inRAF Bomber Command service.[143]
The Mosquito also proved a very capablenight fighter. Some of the most successful RAF pilots flew these variants. For example,Wing CommanderBranse Burbridge claimed 21 kills.[citation needed]
Mosquitoes ofNo. 100 Group RAF acted as night intruders operating at high level in support of the Bomber Command "heavies", to counter the enemy tactic of merging into the bomber stream, which, towards the end of 1943, was causing serious Allied losses.[144] These RCM (radio countermeasures) aircraft were fitted with a device called "Serrate" to allow them to track down German night fighters from theirLichtenstein B/C (low-UHF-band) andLichtenstein SN-2 (lower end of theVHF FM broadcast band) radar emissions, as well as a device named "Perfectos" that tracked GermanIFF signals. These methods were responsible for the destruction of 257 German aircraft from December 1943 to April 1945. Mosquito fighters from all units accounted for 487 German aircraft during the war, the vast majority of which were night fighters.[145]
Night fighter Mosquitos were often tasked with attacking German planes landing at airfields. In 1943, the Germans became acquainted withMoskitoschreck, "Mosquito terror," the constant fear of an unexpected Mosquito attack during a nighttime landing.[71]
One Mosquito is listed as belonging to German secret operations unitKampfgeschwader 200, which tested, evaluated and sometimes clandestinely operated captured enemy aircraft during the war. The aircraft was listed on theorder of battle ofVersuchsverband OKL's,2 Staffel,Stab Gruppe on 10 November and 31 December 1944. However, on both lists, the Mosquito is listed as unserviceable.[146]
The Mosquito flew its last official European war mission on 21 May 1945, when Mosquitoes of 143 Squadron and 248 Squadron RAF were ordered to continue to hunt German submarines that might be tempted to continue the fight; instead of submarines all the Mosquitoes encountered were passiveE-boats.[147]
The last operational RAF Mosquitoes were the Mosquito TT.35's, which were finally retired from No. 3 Civilian Anti-Aircraft Co-Operation Unit (CAACU) in May 1963.[148]
In 1947–49, up to 180 Canadian surplus Mosquitoes flew many operations for the Nationalist Chinese underChiang Kai-shek in the civil war against Communist forces.[citation needed] Pilots from three squadrons of Mosquitoes claimed to have sunk or damaged 500 ships during one invasion attempt. As the Communists assumed control, the remaining aircraft were evacuated to Formosa, where they flew missions against shipping.[149]
Until the end of 1942 the RAF always usedRoman numerals (I, II...) formark numbers; 1943–48 was a transition period during which new aircraft entering service were givenArabic numerals (1, 2...) for mark numbers, but older aircraft retained their Roman numerals. From 1948 onwards, Arabic numerals were used exclusively.[150]
Three prototypes were built, each with a different configuration. The first to fly wasW4050 on 25 November 1940, followed by the fighterW4052 on 15 May 1941 and the photo-reconnaissance prototypeW4051 on 10 June 1941.W4051 later flew operationally with1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (1 PRU).[citation needed]
Media related toDe Havilland Mosquito PR at Wikimedia Commons
A total of 10Mosquito PR Mk.Is were built, four of them "long range" versions equipped with a 151 imp gal (690 L) overload fuel tank in the fuselage.[54] The contract called for 10 of the PR Mk.I airframes to be converted toB Mk.IV Series 1s.[151] All of the PR Mk.Is, and the B Mk.IV Series 1s, had the original short engine nacelles and short span (19 ft 5.5 in) tailplanes. Their engine cowlings incorporated the original pattern of integrated exhaust manifolds, which, after relatively brief flight time, had a troublesome habit of burning and blistering the cowling panels.[152] The first operationalsortie by a Mosquito was made by a PR Mk.I,W4055, on 17 September 1941; during this sortie the unarmed Mosquito PR.I evaded threeMesserschmitt Bf 109s at 23,000 ft (7,000 m).[153] Powered by two Merlin 21s, the PR Mk.I had a maximum speed of 382 mph (615 km/h), a cruise speed of 255 mph (410 km/h), a ceiling of 35,000 ft (11,000 m), a range of 2,180 nmi (4,040 km), and a climb rate of 2,850 ft (870 m) per minute.[154]
Over 30 Mosquito B Mk.IV bombers were converted into thePR Mk.IV photo-reconnaissance aircraft.[155] The first operational flight by a PR Mk.IV was made byDK284 in April 1942.[156]
The MosquitoPR Mk.VIII, built as a stopgap pending the introduction of the refined PR Mk.IX, was the next photo-reconnaissance version. The five VIIIs were converted from B Mk.IVs and became the first operational Mosquito version to be powered by two-stage, two-speed supercharged engines, using 1,565 hp (1,167 kW) Rolls-Royce Merlin 61 engines in place of Merlin 21/22s. The first PR Mk.VIII,DK324 first flew on 20 October 1942.[157] The PR Mk.VIII had a maximum speed of 436 mph (702 km/h), an economical cruise speed of 295 mph (475 km/h) at 20,000 ft, and 350 mph (560 km/h) at 30,000 ft,[158] a ceiling of 38,000 ft (12,000 m), a range of 2,550 nmi (4,720 km), and a climb rate of 2,500 ft per minute (760 m).[154]
The MosquitoPR Mk.IX, 90 of which were built, was the first Mosquito variant with two-stage, two-speed engines to be produced in quantity; the first of these,LR405, first flew in April 1943.[157] The PR Mk.IX was based on the Mosquito B Mk.IX bomber and was powered by two 1,680 hp (1,250 kW) Merlin 72/73 or 76/77 engines. It could carry either two 50 imp gal (230 L), two 100 imp gal (450 L) or two 200 imp gal (910 L) droppable fuel tanks.[156]
The MosquitoPR Mk.XVI had a pressurised cockpit and, like the Mk.IX, was powered by two Rolls-Royce Merlin 72/73 or 76/77 piston engines. This version was equipped with three overload fuel tanks, totalling 760 imp gal (3,500 L) in the bomb bay, and could also carry two 50 imp gal (230 L) or 100 imp gal (450 L) drop tanks.[159] A total of 435 of the PR Mk.XVI were built.[156] The PR Mk.XVI had a maximum speed of 415 mph (668 km/h), a cruise speed of 250 mph (400 km/h), ceiling of 38,500 ft (11,700 m), a range of 2,450 nmi (4,540 km), and a climb rate of 2,900 feet per minute (884 m).[154]
The MosquitoPR Mk.32 was a long-range, high-altitude, pressurised photo-reconnaissance version. It was powered by a pair of two-stage supercharged 1,690 hp (1,260 kW) Rolls-Royce Merlin 113 and Merlin 114 piston engines, the Merlin 113 on the starboard side and the Merlin 114 on the port. First flown in August 1944, only five were built and all were conversions from PR.XVIs.[160]
The MosquitoPR Mk.34 andPR Mk.34A was a very long-range unarmed high altitude photo-reconnaissance version. The fuel tank and cockpit protection armour were removed. Additional fuel was carried in a bulged bomb bay: 1,192 gallons—the equivalent of 5,419 mi (8,721 km). A further two 200-gallon (910-litre) drop tanks under the outer wings gave a range of 3,600 mi (5,800 km) cruising at 300 mph (480 km/h). Powered by two 1,690 hp (1,260 kW) Merlin 114s first used in the PR.32. The port Merlin 114 drove a Marshal cabin supercharger. A total of 181 were built, including 50 built byPercival Aircraft Company atLuton.[160] The PR.34's maximum speed (TAS) was 335 mph (539 km/h) at sea level, 405 mph (652 km/h) at 17,000 ft (5,200 m) and 425 mph (684 km/h) at 30,000 ft (9,100 m).[161]All PR.34s were installed with four split F52 vertical cameras, two forward, two aft of the fuselage tank and one F24 oblique camera. Sometimes a K-17 camera was used for air surveys. In August 1945, the PR.34A was the final photo-reconnaissance variant with one Merlin 113A and 114A each delivering 1,710 hp (1,280 kW).[162]
Colonel Roy M. Stanley II, USAF (RET) wrote: "I consider the Mosquito the best photo-reconnaissance aircraft of the war".[163]
After the end of World War IISpartan Air Services used ten ex-RAF Mosquitoes, mostly B.35s plus one of only six PR.35s built, for high-altitude photographic survey work in Canada.[164]
Media related toDe Havilland Mosquito B at Wikimedia Commons
On 21 June 1941 the Air Ministry ordered that the last 10 Mosquitoes, ordered as photo-reconnaissance aircraft, should be converted to bombers. These 10 aircraft were part of the original 1 March 1940 production order and became theB Mk.IV Series 1.W4052 was to be the prototype and flew for the first time on 8 September 1941.[166]
The bomber prototype led to theB Mk.IV, of which 273 were built: apart from the 10 Series 1s, all of the rest were built as Series 2s with extended nacelles, revised exhaust manifolds, with integrated flame dampers, and larger tailplanes.[167] Series 2 bombers also differed from the Series 1 in having an increased payload of four 500 lb (230 kg) bombs, instead of the four 250 lb (110 kg) bombs of Series 1. This was made possible bycropping, or shortening the tail of the 500 lb (230 kg) bomb so that these four heavier weapons could be carried (or a 2,000 lb (920 kg) total load).[167] The B Mk.IV entered service in May 1942 with105 Squadron.[168]
In April 1943 it was decided to convert a B Mk.IV to carry a 4,000 lb (1,800 kg)Blockbuster bomb (nicknamed "cookie"). The conversion, including modified bomb bay suspension arrangements, bulged bomb bay doors and fairings, was relatively straightforward and 54 B.IVs were modified and distributed to squadrons of the Light Night Striking Force.[167][169] 27 B Mk.IVs were later converted for special operations with theHighball anti-shipping weapon, and were used by618 Squadron, formed in April 1943 specifically to use this weapon.[170] A B Mk.IV,DK290 was initially used as a trials aircraft for the bomb, followed byDZ471,530 and 533.[171] The B Mk.IV had a maximum speed of 380 mph (610 km/h), a cruising speed of 265 mph (426 km/h), ceiling of 34,000 ft (10,000 m), a range of 2,040 nmi (3,780 km), and a climb rate of 2,500 ft per minute (12.7 m/s).[154]
Other bomber variants of the Mosquito included the Merlin 21 poweredB Mk.V high-altitude version. Trials with this configuration were made withW4057, which had strengthened wings and two additional fuel tanks, or alternatively, two 500 lb (230 kg) bombs. This design was not produced in Britain, but formed the basic design of the Canadian-built B.VII. OnlyW4057 was built in prototype form.[172] The Merlin 31 poweredB Mk.VII was built by de Havilland Canada and first flown on 24 September 1942. It only saw service in Canada, 25 were built. Six were handed over to theUnited States Army Air Forces.
B Mk.IX (54 built) was powered by the Merlin 72,73, 76 or 77. The two-stage Merlin variant was based on the PR.IX. The prototypeDK 324 was converted from a PR.VIII and first flew on 24 March 1943.[173] In October 1943 it was decided that all B Mk.IVs and all B Mk.IXs then in service would be converted to carry the 4,000 lb (1,800 kg) "Cookie", and all B Mk.IXs built after that date were designed to allow them to be converted to carry the weapon.[174] The B Mk.IX had a maximum speed of 408 mph (657 km/h), an economical cruise speed of 295 mph (475 km/h) at 20,000 ft, and 350 mph (560 km/h) at 30,000 ft,[158] ceiling of 36,000 ft (11,000 m), a range of 2,450 nmi (4,540 km), and a climb rate of 2,850 feet per minute (14.5 m/s). The IX could carry a maximum load of 2,000–4,000 lb (910–1,810 kg) of bombs.[154] A Mosquito B Mk.IX holds the record for the most combat operations flown by an Allied bomber in the Second World War.LR503, known as "F for Freddie" (from its squadron code letters, GB*F), first served withNo. 109 and subsequently,No. 105 RAF squadrons. It flew 213 sorties during the war, only to crash at Calgary airport during the Eighth Victory Loan Bond Drive on 10 May 1945, two days afterVictory in Europe Day, killing both the pilot, Flt. Lt. Maurice Briggs, DSO, DFC, DFM and navigator Fl. Off. John Baker, DFC and Bar.[175]
TheB Mk.XVI was powered by the same variations as the B.IX. All B Mk.XVIs were capable of being converted to carry the 4,000 lb (1,800 kg) "Cookie".[174] The two-stage powerplants were added along with a pressurised cabin.DZ540 first flew on 1 January 1944. The prototype was converted from a IV (402 built). The next variant, theB Mk.XX, was powered by Packard Merlins 31 and 33s. It was the Canadian version of the IV. Altogether, 245 were built. The B Mk.XVI had a maximum speed of 408 mph (657 km/h), an economical cruise speed of 295 mph (475 km/h) at 20,000 ft, and 350 mph (560 km/h) at 30,000 ft,[158] ceiling of 37,000 ft (11,000 m), a range of 1,485 nmi (2,750 km), and a climb rate of 2,800 ft per minute (14 m/s). The type could carry 4,000 lb (1,800 kg) of bombs.[154]
TheB.35 was powered by Merlin 113 and 114As. Some were converted to TT.35s (Target Tugs) and others were used as PR.35s (photo-reconnaissance).[173] The B.35 had a maximum speed of 422 mph (679 km/h), a cruising speed of 276 mph (444 km/h), ceiling of 42,000 ft (13,000 m), a range of 1,750 nmi (3,240 km), and a climb rate of 2,700 ft per minute (13.7 m/s).[176] A total of 174 B.35s were delivered up to the end of 1945.[t] A further 100 were delivered from 1946 for a grand total of 274, 65 of which were built by Airspeed Ltd.[u][179]
Developed during 1940, the first prototype of theMosquito F Mk.II was completed on 15 May 1941. These Mosquitoes were fitted with four 20 mm (0.79 in)Hispano cannon in the fuselage belly and four.303 (7.7 mm)Browning machine guns mounted in the nose. On production Mk.IIs the machine guns and ammunition tanks were accessed via two centrally hinged, sideways opening doors in the upper nose section. To arm and service the cannon the bomb bay doors were replaced by manually operated bay doors: the F and NF Mk.IIs could not carry bombs.[56] The type was also fitted with agun camera in a compartment above the machine guns in the nose and was fitted with exhaust flame dampers to reduce the glare from the Merlin XXs.[180]
In the summer of 1942, Britain experienced day-time incursions of the high-altitude reconnaissance bomber, theJunkers Ju 86P.[181] Although the Ju 86P only carried a light bomb load, it overflew sensitive areas, including Bristol, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Bombs were dropped on Luton and elsewhere, and this particular aircraft was seen from the main de Havilland offices and factory at Hatfield. An attempt to intercept it with a Spitfire from RAF Manston was unsuccessful. As a result of the potential threat, a decision was quickly taken to develop a high-altitude Mosquito interceptor, using theMP469 prototype.[citation needed]
MP469 entered the experimental shop on 7 September and made its initial flight on 14 September, piloted by John de Havilland. The bomber nose was altered using a normal fighter nose, armed with four standard.303 (7.7 mm)Browning machine guns. The low pressure cabin retained a bomber canopy structure and a two-piece windscreen. The control wheel was replaced with a fighter control stick. The wingspan was increased to 59 ft (18 m). The airframe was lightened by removing armour plating, some fuel tanks and other fitments. Smaller-diameter main wheels were fitted after the first few flights. At a loaded weight of 16,200 lb (7,300 kg) this HA Mk.XV was 2,300 lb (1,000 kg) lighter than a standard Mk.II. For this first conversion, the engines were a pair of Merlin 61s. On 15 September, John de Havilland reached an altitude of 43,000 ft (13,000 m) in this version. The aircraft was delivered to a High Altitude Flight which had been formed at RAF Northolt. However, the high-level German daylight intruders were no longer to be seen. It was subsequently revealed that only five Ju 86P aircraft had been built and they had only flown 12 sorties. Nevertheless, the general need for high altitude interceptors was recognised – but now the emphasis was to be upon night fighters.[citation needed]
The A&AEE tested the climb and speed of night fighter conversion of MP469 in January 1943 for the Ministry of Aircraft Production.[182] Wingspan had been increased to 62 ft (19 m), the Brownings had been moved to a fairing below the fuselage. According to Birtles, an AI radar was mounted in the nose and the Merlins were upgraded to Mk76 type, although Boscombe Down reported Merlin 61s. In addition to MP469, four more B Mk.IVs were converted intoNF MK XVs.[181][183] TheFighter Interception Unit at RAF Ford carried out service trials, March 1943, and then these five aircraft went to 85 Squadron, Hunsdon, where they were flown from April until August of that year. The greatest height reached in service was 44,600 ft (13,600 m).[citation needed]
Apart from the F Mk.XV, all Mosquito fighters and fighter bombers featured a modified canopy structure incorporating a flat, single piecearmoured windscreen, and the crew entry/exit door was moved from the bottom of the forward fuselage to the right side of the nose, just forward of the wing leading edge.[184]
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At the end of 1940, the Air Staff's preferred turret-equipped night fighter design toOperational Requirement O.R. 95 was the Gloster F.18/40 (derived fromtheir F.9/37). However, although in agreement as to the quality of the Gloster company's design, the Ministry of Aircraft Production was concerned that Gloster would not be able to work on the F.18/40 and also the jet fighter design, considered the greater priority. Consequently, in mid-1941 the Air Staff and MAP agreed that the Gloster aircraft would be dropped and the Mosquito, when fitted with a turret would be considered for the night fighter requirement.[185]
The first productionnight fighter Mosquitoes – minus turrets – were designatedNF Mk.II. A total of 466 were built with the first entering service withNo. 157 Squadron in January 1942, replacing theDouglas Havoc. These aircraft were similar to the F Mk.II, but were fitted with theAI Mk.IV metricwavelengthradar. The herring-bonetransmittingantenna was mounted on the nose and the dipolereceiving antennae were carried under the outer wings.[186] A number of NF IIs had their radar equipment removed and additional fuel tanks installed in the bay behind the cannon for use as night intruders. These aircraft, designatedNF II (Special) were first used by23 Squadron in operations over Europe in 1942.[187] 23 Squadron was then deployed to Malta on 20 December 1942, and operated against targets in Italy.[188]
Ninety-seven NF Mk.IIs were upgraded with 3.3 GHz frequency, low-SHF-bandAI Mk.VIII radar and these were designatedNF Mk.XII. TheNF Mk.XIII, of which 270 were built, was the production equivalent of the Mk.XII conversions. These "centimetric" radar sets were mounted in a solid "thimble" (Mk.XII / XIII) or universal "bull nose" (Mk.XVII / XIX) radome, which required the machine guns to be dispensed with.[citation needed]
Four F Mk.XVs were converted to theNF Mk.XV. These were fitted with AI Mk.VIII in a "thimble" radome, and the .303 Brownings were moved into a gun pack fitted under the forward fuselage.[189]
NF Mk.XVII was the designation for 99 NF Mk.II conversions, with single-stage Merlin 21, 22, or 23 engines, but British AI.X (US SCR-720) radar.[190]
TheNF Mk.XIX was an improved version of the NF XIII. It could be fitted with American or British AI radars; 220 were built.[190]
TheNF Mk.30 was the final wartime variant and was a high-altitude version, powered by two 1,710 hp (1,280 kW) Rolls-Royce Merlin 76s. The NF Mk.30 had a maximum speed of 424 mph (682 km/h) at 26,500 ft (8,100 m).[191] It also carried earlyelectronic countermeasures equipment. 526 were built.[190]
Other Mosquito night fighter variants planned but never built included theNF Mk.X andNF Mk.XIV (the latter based on the NF Mk.XIII), both of which were to have two-stage Merlins. TheNF Mk.31 was a variant of the NF Mk.30, but powered by Packard Merlins.[192]
After the war, two more night fighter versions were developed:TheNF Mk.36 was similar to the Mosquito NF Mk.30, but fitted with the American-built AI.Mk.X radar. Powered by two 1,690 hp (1,260 kW) Rolls-Royce Merlin 113/114 piston engines; 266 built. Max level speeds (TAS) with flame dampers fitted were 305 mph (491 km/h) at sea level, 380 mph (610 km/h) at 17,000 ft (5,200 m), and 405 mph (652 km/h) at 30,000 ft (9,100 m).[161]
TheNF Mk.38, 101 of which were built, was also similar to the Mosquito NF Mk.30, but fitted with the British-built AI Mk.IX radar. This variant suffered from stability problems and did not enter RAF service: 60 were eventually sold to Yugoslavia.[193] According to the Pilot's Notes and Air Ministry 'Special Flying Instruction TF/487', which posted limits on the Mosquito's maximum speeds, the NF Mk.38 had a VNE of 370 knots (425 mph), without under-wing stores, and within the altitude range of sea level to 10,000 ft (3,000 m). However, from 10,000 to 15,000 ft (4,600 m) the maximum speed was 348 knots (400 mph). As the height increased other recorded speeds were; 15,000 to 20,000 ft (6,100 m) 320 knots (368 mph); 20,000 to 25,000 ft (7,600 m), 295 knots (339 mph); 25,000 to 30,000 ft (9,100 m), 260 knots (299 mph); 30,000 to 35,000 ft (11,000 m), 235 knots (270 mph). With two added 100-gallon fuel tanks this performance fell; between sea level and 15,000 feet 330 knots (379 mph); between 15,000 and 20,000 ft (6,100 m) 320 knots (368 mph); 20,000 to 25,000 ft (7,600 m), 295 knots (339 mph); 25,000 to 30,000 ft (9,100 m), 260 knots (299 mph); 30,000 to 35,000 ft (11,000 m), 235 knots (270 mph). Little difference was noted above 15,000 ft (4,600 m).[194]
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TheFB Mk. VI, which first flew on 1 June 1942, was powered by two, single-stage two-speed, 1,460 hp (1,090 kW) Merlin 21s or 1,635 hp (1,219 kW) Merlin 25s, and introduced a re-stressed and reinforced "basic" wing structure capable of carrying single 250-or-500 lb (110-or-230 kg) bombs on racks housed in streamlined fairings under each wing, or up to eightRP-3 25lb or 60 lb rockets. In addition fuel lines were added to the wings to enable single 50 imp gal (230 L) or 100 imp gal (450 L) drop tanks to be carried under each wing.[156][195] The usual fixed armament was four 20 mmHispano Mk.II cannon and four .303 (7.7 mm)Browning machine guns, while two 250-or-500 lb (110-or-230 kg) bombs could be carried in the bomb bay.[v]
Unlike the F Mk.II, the ventral bay doors were split into two pairs, with the forward pair being used to access the cannon, while the rear pair acted as bomb bay doors.[196] The maximum fuel load was 719.5 imp gal (3,271 L) distributed between 453 imp gal (2,060 L) internal fuel tanks, plus two overload tanks, each of 66.5 imp gal (302 L) capacity, which could be fitted in the bomb bay, and two 100 imp gal (450 L) drop tanks.[195] All-out level speed is often given as 368 mph (592 km/h), although this speed applies to aircraft fitted with saxophone exhausts. The test aircraft (HJ679) fitted with stub exhausts was found to be performing below expectations. It was returned to de Havilland at Hatfield where it was serviced. Its top speed was then tested and found to be 384 mph (618 km/h), in line with expectations.[197] 2,298 FB Mk. VIs were built, nearly one-third of Mosquito production.[156] Two were converted to TR.33carrier-borne, maritime strike prototypes.[156]
The FB Mk. VI proved capable of holding its own againstfighter aircraft, in addition to strike/bombing roles. For example, on 15 January 1945 Mosquito FB Mk. VIs of143 Squadron were engaged by 30Focke-Wulf Fw 190s fromJagdgeschwader 5: the Mosquitoes sank an armed trawler and two merchant ships, but five Mosquitoes were lost (two reportedly to flak),[198] while shooting down five Fw 190s.[199]
Another fighter-bomber variant was theMosquito FB Mk. XVIII (known as theTsetse) of which one was converted from a FB Mk. VI to serve as prototype and 17 were purpose-built. The Mk.XVIII was armed with a Molins "6-pounder Class M" cannon: this was a modifiedQF 6-pounder (57 mm) anti-tank gun fitted with anauto-loader to allow both semi- or fully automatic fire.[w] 25 rounds were carried, with the entire installation weighing 1,580 lb (720 kg).[160] In addition, 900 lb (410 kg) of armour was added within the engine cowlings, around the nose and under the cockpit floor to protect the engines and crew from heavily armed U-boats, the intended primary target of the Mk.XVIII.[200] Two or four .303 (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns were retained in the nose and were used to "sight" the main weapon onto the target.[160]
TheAir Ministry initially suspected that this variant would not work, but tests proved otherwise. Although the gun provided the Mosquito with yet more anti-shipping firepower for use against U-boats, it required a steady approach run to aim and fire the gun, making its wooden construction an even greater liability, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire. The gun had a muzzle velocity of 2,950 ft/s (900 m/s)[160] and an excellent range of some 1,800–1,500 yd (1,600–1,400 m). It was sensitive to sidewards movement; an attack required a dive from 5,000 ft (1,500 m) at a 30° angle with theturn and bank indicator on centre. A move during the dive could jam the gun.[201] The prototypeHJ732 was converted from a FB.VI and was first flown on 8 June 1943.[160]
The effect of the new weapon was demonstrated on 10 March 1944 when Mk.XVIIIs from248 Squadron (escorted by four Mk.VIs) engaged a German convoy of one U-boat and four destroyers, protected by 10Ju 88s. Three of the Ju 88s were shot down. Pilot Tony Phillips destroyed one Ju 88 with four shells, one of which tore an engine off the Ju 88. The U-boat was damaged. On 25 March,U-976 was sunk by Molins-equipped Mosquitoes.[202] On 10 June,U-821 was abandoned in the face of intense air attack from No. 248 Squadron, and was later sunk by aLiberator of No. 206 Squadron.[203] On 5 April 1945 Mosquitoes with Molins attacked five German surface ships in theKattegat and again demonstrated their value by setting them all on fire and sinking them.[204][205] A GermanSperrbrecher ("minefield breaker") was lost with all hands, with some 200 bodies being recovered bySwedish vessels.[204] Some 900 German soldiers died in total.[204] On 9 April, German U-boatsU-804,U-843 andU-1065 were spotted in formation heading forNorway. All were sunk with rockets.[204][206]U-251 andU-2359 followed on 19 April and 2 May 1945, also sunk by rockets.[207]
Despite the preference for rockets, a further development of the large gun idea was carried out using the even larger, 96 mm calibreQF 32-pounder, a gun based on theQF 3.7-inch AA gun designed for tank use, the airborne version using a novel form ofmuzzle brake. Developed to prove the feasibility of using such a large weapon in the Mosquito, this installation was not completed until after the war, when it was flown and fired in a single aircraft without problems, then scrapped.[citation needed]
Designs based on the Mk.VI were theFB Mk. 26, built in Canada, and theFB Mk.40, built in Australia, powered byPackard Merlins. The FB.26 improved from the FB.21 using 1,620 hp (1,210 kW) single stage Packard Merlin 225s. Some 300 were built and another 37 converted to T.29 standard.[160] 212 FB.40s were built by de Havilland Australia. Six were converted to PR.40; 28 to PR.41s, one to FB.42 and 22 to T.43 trainers. Most were powered by Packard-built Merlin 31 or 33s.[162]
The Mosquito was also built as theMosquito T Mk.III two-seattrainer. This version, powered by two Rolls-Royce Merlin 21s, was unarmed and had a modified cockpit fitted with dual control arrangements. A total of 348 of theT Mk.III were built for the RAF andFleet Air Arm.de Havilland Australia built 11T Mk.43 trainers, similar to the Mk.III.[190]
To meet specificationN.15/44 for a navalised Mosquito forRoyal Navy use as a torpedo bomber, de Havilland produced acarrier-borne variant. A Mosquito FB.VI was modified as a prototype designatedSea Mosquito TR Mk.33 with folding wings, arrester hook, thimble nose radome, Merlin 25 engines with four-bladed propellers and a new oleo-pneumatic landing gear rather than the standard rubber-in-compression gear. Initial carrier tests of the Sea Mosquito were carried out byEric "Winkle" Brown aboardHMSIndefatigable, the first landing-on taking place on 25 March 1944. An order for 100 TR.33s was placed although only 50 were built at Leavesden. Armament was four 20 mm cannon, two 500 lb bombs in the bomb bay (another two could be fitted under the wings), eight 60 lb rockets (four under each wing) and a standard torpedo under the fuselage. The first production TR.33 flew on 10 November 1945. This series was followed by sixSea Mosquito TR Mk.37s, which were built at Chester (Broughton) and differed in having ASV Mk.XIII radar instead of the TR.33's AN/APS-6.[190]
The RAF's target tug version was theMosquito TT Mk.35, which were the last aircraft to remain in operational service with No 3 CAACU at Exeter, being finally retired in 1963. These aircraft were then featured in the film633 Squadron.[citation needed]A number of B Mk.XVIs bombers were converted into TT Mk.39 target tug aircraft. The Royal Navy also operated theMosquito TT Mk.39 for target towing.Two ex-RAF FB.6s were converted to TT.6 standard atManchester (Ringway) Airport byFairey Aviation in 1953–1954, and delivered to theBelgian Air Force for use as towing aircraft from theSylt firing ranges.[citation needed]
A total of 1,032[209] (wartime+ 2 afterwards) Mosquitoes were built by De Havilland Canada atDownsview Airfield in Downsview Ontario (nowDownsview Park in Toronto Ontario).
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A number of Mosquito IVs were modified byVickers-Armstrongs to carry Highball "bouncing bombs" and were allocated Vickers Type numbers:
About 5,000 of the total of 7,781 Mosquitoes built had major structural components fabricated from wood inHigh Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England.[212] Fuselages, wings and tailplanes were made at furniture companies such as Ronson,E. Gomme,Parker Knoll, Parslow Furniture,[213] Austinsuite and Styles & Mealing. Wing spars were made by J. B. Heath and Dancer & Hearne. Many of the other parts, including flaps, flap shrouds, fins, leading edge assemblies and bomb doors were also produced in the Buckinghamshire town. Dancer & Hearne processed much of the wood from start to finish, receiving timber and transforming it into finished wing spars at their factory in Penn Street on the outskirts of High Wycombe.[214]
Initially much of the specialised yellow birchwood veneer and finished plywood used for the prototypes and early production aircraft was shipped from firms in Wisconsin, US.[16] Prominent in this role were Roddis Plywood and Veneer Manufacturing inMarshfield. In conjunction with the USDAForest Products Laboratory, Hamilton Roddis had developed new plywood adhesives and hot pressing technology.[215][y] Later on, paper birch was logged in large quantities from the interior of British Columbia along the Fraser and Quesnel Rivers and processed in Quesnel and New Westminster by the Pacific Veneer Company. According to the Quesnel archives, BC paper birch supplied ½ of the wartime British Empire birch used for Mosquitoes and other aircraft.[217]
As the supply of Ecuadorean balsa was threatened by theU-boats in the Atlantic Ocean,[83][218] theMinistry of Aircraft Production approved a research effort to supplant the balsa withcalcium alginate foam, made from localbrown algae.[219][220] By 1944 the foam was ready, but the U-boat threat had been reduced, the larger B-25 bombers were in sufficient supply to handle most of the bombing raids, and the foam was not used in Mosquito production.[221][222]
In July 1941, it was decided that DH Canada would build Mosquitoes at Downsview, Ontario. This was to continue even if Germany invaded Great Britain.[223] Packard Merlin engines produced under licence were bench-tested by August and the first two aircraft were built in September. Production was to increase to fifty per month by early 1942. Initially, the Canadian production was for bomber variants; later, fighters, fighter-bombers and training aircraftwere also made. DH Chief Production Engineer, Harry Povey, was sent first, then W. D. Hunter followed on an extended stay, to liaise with materials and parts suppliers. As was the case with initial UK production, Tego-bonded plywood and birch veneer was obtained from firms in Wisconsin, principally Roddis Plywood and Veneer Manufacturing, Marshfield.[224] Enemy action delayed the shipping of jigs and moulds and it was decided to build these locally.[z] During 1942, production improved to over 80 machines per month, as sub-contractorEs and suppliers became established. A mechanised production line based in part on car building methods started in 1944.[225] As the war progressed, Canadian Mosquitoes may have utilized paper birch supplied by the Pacific Veneer Company of New Westminster using birch logs from the Cariboo, although records only say this birch was shipped to England for production there.[226] When flight testing could no longer keep up, this was moved to the Central Aircraft Company airfield, London, Ontario, where the approved Mosquitoes left for commissioning and subsequent ferry transfer to Europe.[citation needed]
Ferrying Mosquitoes and many other types of WWII aircraft from Canada to Europe was dangerous, resulting in losses of lives and machines, but in the exigencies of war it was regarded as the best option for twin-engine and multi-engine aircraft. In the parlance of the day, among RAF personnel, "it was no piece of cake."[227][228][aa] Considerable efforts were made by de Havilland Canada to resolve problems with engine and oil systems and an additional five hours of flight testing were introduced before the ferry flight, but the actual cause of some of the losses was unknown. Nevertheless, by the end of the war, nearly 500 Mosquito bombers and fighter-bombers had been ferried successfully by the Canadian operation.[229]
After DH Canada had been established for the Mosquito, further manufacturing was set up at DH Australia, in Sydney. One of the DH staff who travelled there was the distinguished test pilot,Pat Fillingham. These production lines added totals of 1,133[230] aircraft of varying types from Canada plus 212 aircraft from Australia.[ab]
In total, both during the war and after, de Havilland exported 46 FB.VIs and 29 PR. XVIs to Australia; two FB.VI and 18 NF.30s toBelgium; approximately 250 FB.26, T.29 and T.27s from Canada toNationalist China. A significant number never went into service due to deterioration on the voyage and to crashes during Chinese pilot training; however, five were captured by thePeople's Liberation Army during theChinese Civil War;[232] 19 FB.VIs toCzechoslovakia in 1948; 6 FB.VIs toDominica; a few B.IVs, 57 FB.VIs, 29 PR.XVIs and 23 NF.30s toFrance. Some T.IIIs were exported toIsrael along with 60 FB.VIs, and at least five PR.XVIs and 14 naval versions. Four T.IIIs, 76 FB.VIs, one FB.40 and four T.43s were exported toNew Zealand. Three T.IIIs were exported toNorway, and 18 FB.VIs, which were later converted to night fighter standard.South Africa received two F.II and 14 PR.XVI/XIs andSweden received 60 NF.XIXs.Turkey received 96 FB.VIs and several T.IIIs, andYugoslavia had 60 NF.38s, 80 FB.VIs and three T.IIIs delivered.[233] At least one de Havilland Mosquito was delivered to the Soviet Union, marked 'DK 296'.[234]
Total Mosquito production was 7,781, of which 6,710 were built during the war.
| Producer and site | Number built |
|---|---|
| de HavillandHatfield, Hertfordshire | 3,326 |
| de Havilland Leavesden, Hertfordshire | 1,476 |
| Standard Motor Company (Canley),Coventry | 1,066 |
| Percival Aircraft Company,Luton | 245 |
| Airspeed Aircraft,Portsmouth | 122 |
| de HavillandHawarden,Chester[ac] | 88 |
| de Havilland Canada,Toronto | 1,076 |
| de Havilland Australia,Sydney | 212 |
A number of Mosquitoes were lost in civilian airline service, mostly withBritish Overseas Airways Corporation during the Second World War.
On 21 July 1996, Mosquito G-ASKH, wearing the markings of RR299, crashed 1 mile west of Manchester Barton Airport. Pilot Kevin Moorhouse and engineer Steve Watson were both killed in the crash.[236] At the time, this was the last airworthy Mosquito, a T.III.
There are approximately 30 non-flying Mosquitoes around the world with five airworthy examples: three in the United States; one in Canada; and one in New Zealand. The largest collection of Mosquitoes is at thede Havilland Aircraft Museum in the United Kingdom, which owns three aircraft, including the first prototype,W4050, the only initial prototype of a Second World War British aircraft design still in existence in the 21st century.[237]
Data from Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War II,[238] World War II Warbirds[239]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Avionics
Notable Mosquito missions
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
assembled by J.L. McClellan 2005
Exigencies of supply have necessitated the considera-tion of other woods, however, and of other substitutes in connection particularly with Mosquito production. Certain artificial foams and mechanical equivalents appear to approach balsa wood in efficiency at a specific gravity of 0.1
Made in imitation of balsa Wood (as a substitute for use in the Mosquito Aeroplane). Density is ca. 0.1g/mL. Made by P.H. Plesch at Cefoil Ltd, 1944.
his work at Cefoil Ltd on alginate compounds as substitutes for balsa wood used in construction of De Havilland DH.98 Mosquito
