The Dragon Rapide was a British passenger airliner of the 1930’s that was first flown in 1934, and it was the most successful plane of it’s type in that decade.  More than 200 had been built before the second world war erupted.  
Rapides were requisitioned by the military for transport and radio navigation training duties, and were known as the de Haviland Dominie.
This particular Rapide was built in 1944 and carried Royal Air Force markings until it was sold in 1946 as surplus.   After being acquired by the museum, the Rapide was sent for an exhaustive restoration as a copy of the one ordered by HRH the Prince of Wales in 1935 in the colors of the Royal Guards.  As king, Edward VIII was the first monarch to be a qualified pilot.

Country: UK

Manufacturer: England

Years Built: 1933 – 1952

Engine: Dual Gipsy Six II

Horsepower: 205 hp

Empty Weight: 3276lbs

Gross Weight: 5,500lbs

Take Off Distance: 870ft

Landing Distance: 510ft

Cruise Speed: 90kts

Normal Range: 556miles

Max Speed: 157 mph

Weight: 5,500 lbs

Ceiling: 16,700 feet