Time Period: World War II
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Type: Bomber Aircraft, Fighter Aircraft, Reconnaissance and Surveillance
Manufacturer: de Havilland
De Havilland Mosquito Aircraft Overview
The de Havilland Mosquito is a British twin-engine aircraft that was designed during World War II as a multi-role combat aircraft. It was one of the most versatile aircraft of the war, and was used for a wide range of missions, including daytime tactical bombing, night bombing, photo-reconnaissance, and as a high-speed unarmed bomber.
The Mosquito was constructed mostly of wood, which gave it a light weight and high speed. It was powered by two Rolls-Royce Merlin engines and had a top speed of over 400 mph. It was armed with four 20mm Hispano cannons and four .303 machine guns, and could also carry bombs and rockets.
The Mosquito saw extensive service during World War II, both with the Royal Air Force and other Allied air forces. It was highly regarded for its speed and versatility, and was used in a wide range of missions, including precision bombing of high-value targets, such as German factories and V-1 rocket sites.
After the war, the Mosquito remained in service with several air forces, and was also used in civilian roles, such as air racing and aerial surveying. A total of 7,781 Mosquito aircraft were built between 1940 and 1950, making it one of the most successful and iconic aircraft of the war.
De Havilland Mosquito B Mk.XVI Specifications
- Crew: Two: pilot, bomb aimer/navigator
- Length: 44 ft 6 in (13.56 m)
- Wingspan: 54 ft 2 in (16.51 m)
- Height: 17 ft 5 in (5.31 m)
- Wing area: 454 sq ft (42.2 m2)
- Airfoil: RAF 34 (modified)
- Empty weight: 14,300 lb (6,486 kg)
- Gross weight: 18,100 lb (8,210 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 25,000 lb (11,340 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce Merlin 76 V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, 1,710 hp (1,280 kW) driving the left propeller
- Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce Merlin 77 V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, 1,710 hp (1,280 kW) fitted with a blower for cabin pressurisation, driving the right propeller
- Propellers: 3-bladed constant-speed propellers.
De Havilland Mosquito B Mk.XVI Performance
- Maximum speed: 415 mph (668 km/h, 361 kn) at 28,000 ft (8,500 m)
- Range: 1,300 mi (2,100 km, 1,100 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 37,000 ft (11,000 m)
- Rate of climb: 2,850 ft/min (14.5 m/s)
- Wing loading: 39.9 lb/sq ft (195 kg/m2)
- Power/mass: 0.189 hp/lb (0.311 kW/kg)
De Havilland Mosquito B Mk.XVI Armament
- Guns: 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, 4 x 20 mm Hispano cannons
- Bombs: 4,000 lb (1,800 kg)
