History
The De Havilland De DH-82 was a development of the DH-60 Gipsy Moth initiated by specification 13/31 for a primary trainer. One of the requirements was that the pilot in the front seat must be able to step out with his parachute.
Main differences compared to the Gipsy Moth was the upper wing with the fuel tank being moved forward and the wings being swept back because of the center of gravity. The result was the front seat having a better view and more room. Also the structure was reinforced, doors redesigned and the exhaust system modified.
The prototype, equipped with a 120 hp De Havilland Gipsy II engine made its first flight on October 26, 1931.
After evaluation the DH-82 Tiger Moth I was selected and 35 examples with double steering were ordered.. These entered service with the RAF Central Flying School.
A second ordered for a modified version, DH-82A Tiger Moth II with a 130 hp De Havilland Gipsy I, the possibility for blind flying from the rear seat ; the rear upper part of the fuselage was made from triplex and also an anti spin construction was added.
A considerable number were built by De Havilland Australia, De Havilland New Zealand and De Havilland Canada, where a number modified examples under the designation DH-82C were built for use in Canada. In Sweden, Portugal and Norway a number were built under license.
In the end over 8700 examples were built.
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Versions.
- DH.82 Tiger Moth (Tiger Moth I:
- two seat trainer with a 120 hp DeHavilland Gipsy III engine.
- DH.82A Tiger Moth (Tiger Moth II):
- two seattrainer with 130 hp DeHavilland Gipsy Major engine; suitable for blind flying.
- DH.82B Tiger Moth III:
- Improved versio with a DeHavilland Gipsy Major III engine; broader fuselage and enlarged tail fin.
- DH.82C Tiger Moth:
- Version for RCAF for use in arctic conditions with canopy; cockpit heating; modified undercarriage; metal struts; tail wheel and an engine rate 145 hp..
- PT-24 Moth: US designation for 200 lend lease DH.82Cs
- DH.82C-2 Menasco Moth I: DH.82C with a Menasco D-4 Super Pirate 125 hp engine. 10 examples built.
- DH.82C-3 Menasco Moth II: idem, with a smaller fuel capacity; 125 examples built.
- DH.82C-4 Menasco Moth III: idem, equiped with an US AT-1/AR-2 radio, menat for radio training. One example (modified).
- DH.82 Queen Bee:
- Unmanned radiopcontrolled drone with wooden fuselage based upon DH.60 with wings of the Tiger Moth.
- Thruxton Jackaroo:
- post-war four sseat version; fuselage made broader, enclosed canopy. 19 examples modified.
| Dimensions: | |||
| Length: | 7,28 m | Wingspan: | 8 m |
| Height: | 2.68 m | Wing area: | 22,06 m2 |
| Weights: | |||
| Empty weight: | 505 kg | Max. start weight: | 802 kg |
| Performances: | |||
| Max. speed: | 175 km/hr | Rate of climb: | - m/min |
| Cruising speed: | 150 km/.hr | ||
| Range: | 560 km | Service ceiling: | - m |
| Miscellaneous: | |||
| Engine type: | One DeHavilland Gipsy Major I rated 130 hp | ||
| Crew: | One instructor plus one pupil | ||
| Armament: | None | ||
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