de Havilland Mosquito Aircraft

Latest restoration progress as of Dec 07

The Fighter Factory’s de Havilland Mosquito FB Mk 26 aircraft is being rebuilt in New Zealand by Avspecs Limited, a vintage aircraft restoration facility. The difficult mould and bulkhead woodwork is being done by Mosquito Aircraft Restoration.

• Restoration progress at Avspecs Limited

The de Havilland Mosquito, was a lightweight, fast British combat aircraft made mainly of wood using advanced construction methods. The fundamental considerations in the design was that the aircraft be as clean and aerodynamic as possible, that it get into the production phase in as short a period of time as possible and that it be capable of being produced by as many firms as needed to meet mission requirements.

Realizing there would be a need for such a fast bomber, de Havilland Aircraft Co., Ltd., designed its aircraft around two Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, one of the best liquid-cooled engines of its time. Originally designed as a bomber, its role was expanded to include other roles such as intruder, fighter-bomber, pathfinder, fighter, maritime strike and photoreconnaissance.

Crew: 2
Length: 44 ft 6 in
Wingspan: 54 ft 2 in
Height: 17 ft 5 in
Wing area: 454 ft²
Empty weight: 14,300 lb
Powerplant: 2× Rolls-Royce Merlin 76/77
Maximum speed: 361 knots
Range: 1,300 nm with weapons load

Restoration Photos of the
de Havilland Mosquito Aircraft