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The Havilland DH 82 Tiger Moth
Pictures
of the Tiger Moth being readied |
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Type: Single-engined biplane trainer Accommodation: Two pilots in tandem |
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As
with the Avro 504, the Tiger Moth ranks as one of the most famous
military training aircraft ever built. Derived from the highly successful
civilian DH 60G Gipsy Moth, the Tiger Moth differed from its predecessor
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in
having staggered and swept-back wings (which enabled the parachute-equipped
occupant to exit the aircraft in a hurry), an inverted engine to aid
visibility over the nose and strengthening to the wings and fuselage
in order to allow the aircraft to operate at a higher all up weight.
Designated the DH82, the prototype completed its maiden flight on
26 October 1931 and entered service with the RAF the following month.
De Havilland further improved the trainer three years later when it
mated the more powerful Gipsy Major engine with a slightly modified
Tiger Moth fuselage (wooden rear fuselage decking in place of fabric),
the new version being designated the DH82A. The final variant to reach
series production was the winterized DH82C, built by de Havilland
Aircraft of Canada. A staple trainer for virtually all Allied air
arms during World War 2, over 8500 Tiger Moths were eventually built.
The aircraft remains a firm favorite today, particularly in those
countries in which it was 
