Hi everyone, Since publishing this video, we need to make a couple of clarifications: - Slats were installed on the Mosquito Prototype following a recommendation from the Air Ministry, as a safeguard, rather than a mandatory requirement. - Some Internet sources suggest that the proposed Mosquito turret was for defensive armament for the bomber version. However, the surviving documentation is clearer that this was for a proposed night-fighter variant. - We have discovered that a French twin-engined Potez 567 landed on an aircraft carrier in 1936, and a US Lockheed XJO-3 landed on the USS Lexington in 1939. So the Mosquito can only claim to be the first British twin-engined aircraft to land on a Royal Navy carrier. - Although “Seasquito” sounds like a brilliant name for the naval version of the Mosquito, the correct name is “Sea Mosquito”; I got a bit tongue-tied when saying that on the video! Sorry to disappoint you.
Question : I know there was a "Tse Tse" model with a 57mm Auto fired Cannon.. There was a rumor of a 96mm Cannon test after the war which worked However after the tested the aircraft was scrapped. Any facts to this?
The design philosophy of the Mosquito was passed on to the English Electric Canberra. At least a couple of the B57 variants might be still in use with NASA and other Companies.
Yes... the first aircraft to use "composites"..... a lot of modern fighters use the same principle but with urethan foam and carbon fibre instead of balsa and ply...
My father was invited down to the embryonic museum to give information. He was flying recce out of the Middle East where he was the CO. He got attacked by enthusiastic Mustang pilots from the USAAF when returning over Austria Italy border. They were supposed to be his escort but thought the plane was German. On several occasions when challenged by a German plane he would either turn and fly directly towards them then if needed dive away knowing that the Mossie would pull up nicely close to the ground or just climb away. One attacker did follow him down but due to poor piloting did not pull out and clipped a hillside. He always said that instructing at the beginning of the war felt far more dangerous than flying the unarmed beautiful Mossie. His navigator who was with him throughout, was also able to fly the plane in an emergency. He would be delighted today to see the Museum flourishing and Mosquitoes taking to the skies again. Many thanks for posting such an interesting video.
My uncle RAAF Capt. A.E. Verren was a valued De Haviland test pilot in Australia after the war when Mosquito production still continued locally. He had survived the war whilst flying ops with RAAF 464 Sqn and had destroyed HX964 in a serious night landing crash. He and navigator E.W. Rogers were seriously injured on the 21st Jan.1944... just four weeks before Operation Jerrico. He crashed again and both required major medical treatments before returning to Australia. Albert was a kind and calm man who explained to me that the bravest pilots were the ones without medals as they were often the last plane in a formation to still attack a well stirred up target and then not manage to return to their base. Kudos to all of these men... aa
My wife's great uncle was a manager at the de Havilland plant in Canada. He had a painting in his office of a couple of Mosquitos doing a low level attack - I have that painting now. Given how versatile, and successful it was at pretty much everything, it seems likely it would have continued to be developed had the war continued. Best aircraft of WW2.
Thanks , wasn’t the Hornet the Mossies descendant, ? But all too late jets had taken over and De H’avilland were busy at the cutting edge of that, ie Vampire / Venom
My dad helped to build that prototype Mosquito.... he did mention the slats. He also mentioned the glue problems that they eventually solved with the Urea/Formaldehyde adhesives.... We have an outfit here in NZ that builds Mossies for those with deep pockets. I have seen one of them fly at a local airshow..... impressive...
I have witnessed the 1st public apparence of a Mos. that was purchased at the end of WW2 here in N.Z.. Purchased by a local "collector" it sat in a shed until the owner recently passed. Funny, I work with a guy that as a kid was allowed to "play" inside this plane. What a marvel to stand watching the 1st "public" start up after restoration!!! It will never fly I understand but what a beauty!! Just magic. ❤
@@outthere9370 John Smith's Mosquito? I've seen it at Omaka a few times. When it's towed outside for an engine run the fans come flocking and I have flocked right along with them. At the air show last year, the fans were seven or eight deep along the fence each time the engines started. Thank the Maker for men like John Smith, who had the vision to preserve some of our history. The P-51 Mustang that was parked in his shed next to the Mosquito is now flying again. He also had two P-40s: one of which is in the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre next to the Mosquito and the other is also at Omaka, but being restored to flight. His Hudson bomber is displayed in the Heritage Centre.
The "Mossie" is an icon, the aircraft and the men who flew them x As a favourite aircraft type of mine I thought I knew all about it, but this video was well worth the watching!
Great things to learn about the mosquito. My uncle William Stranks always told my cousin that he landed the first mosquito on a carrier, but looking at the photos I think he may have been Eric Browns copilot. I also have coveralls and tool box of one of the master cabinet makers from the DeHaviland factory at Downsview in Toronto Canada. There is a photo of a mosquito construction crew at Downsview with a young Aubrie Price who told me that he did every radio check on every mosquito and lancaster that came out of that factory.
My dad was an RCAF engine mechanic based in England. While in his downtime, he cut and filed down a block of aluminum into the shape of a Mosquito. I proudly have possession of this Mosquito. He also did something similar with a chunk of plexiglass, but made a Spitfire instead. He gave that one to his sister upon his return, so I’ve never seen it, or know if anyone in her family still has it.
Main reason the "Highball"bouncing bomb wasn't used was that it was intended for the Tirpitz. After the Ruhr dams raid, the Germans figured out that Tirpitz would be a target and took care to always park it in a position where it was impossible to bounce a bomb at it. Barnes Wallace's tallboy bomb did for it in the end.
@@andrewjacobs3219Correct, several near misses and direct hits caused Tirpitz to capsize, 12 November 1944. Lancasters of 9 and 617 Sqns with none lost during the attack.
@@andrewwaller5913 There was a Focke Wulf 190 squadron at a base relatively nearby that could have been a real problem for the Lancasters, had they been scrambled but, due a cascade of mistaken comms and other factors, they never left the ground. The squadron CO was later court-martialled.
Here here! I can't rest on a favorite though. I love the B17 because my Pop was a B17 Captain. The P38 has always taken my breath away. If you haven't come across it yet, look into the P38 & Charles Lindberg. Lindberg was a huge help to the P38 program. He taught them how to adjust the engines for maximum range & longevity. He laid his reputation & life on the line for that effort.
Yes and what a mark it has made in aviation history... The airports today are brimming with propeller driven wooden aircraft... A brilliant cul de sac.
@rcbits404 The mosquito is regarded by many as the best due to its impressive speed, versatility, and innovative use of wood construction, which allowed for efficient production amid WW2 shortages in metal and manpower. It excelled in many roles (bomber, reconnaissance, night fighter, escort), making it a strategic asset. Its design, performance, and ease of manufacture combined with effective logistics and high pilot morale made it the most deadly pound-for-pound asset in the skies. If you have the means to transport 21st C aeronautics tech back in time to WW2, please share your insights with the world.
@@austin2842 Don't be so upset, I said it was brilliant. But it was a dead end street constructionwise. The all metal jets that came in the last years of the war showed the way forward and were by that measure more important.
@kathrynwhitby9799 Someone posted elsewhere in the comment section that there's a company in NZ that makes replica mossies for those with deep pockets.
Brilliant video. I was especially interested to learn about the balsa wood sandwich (which other viewers seem to have known about since the world was new); a great innovation, keeping weight low while maintaining strength.
Excellent video. I learned much from it. Don't really no why, but the Mosquito was one of just a few aircraft that fascinated me as a boy. Still fascinated by them today.
As a WWII aircraft enthusiast, and fixing dozens of Airfix models in my childhood (including a 1/72 Mosquito) I must admit I did not know ALL the 7 things that I should know. I had no idea balsa wood was used as a sandwich material. I thought it was all laminated plywood. No idea about the slats, turret, carrier landing, sea mosquito, bouncing bomb. I knew they were mostly used for reconnaissance. And that they were fast!. Great video!!!!
I saw the first of the reproduction Mossies being made by Avspecs here in NZ (and then later flown). I knew about the balsa-sandwich method, but was surprised it was such a thin layer of balsa, I had for some reason always imagined greater thickness to provide more of a 'box' and therefore make it 'stiffer'. As we know, the resulting monocoque structure was enormously strong.
I understood that the Air Ministry original specification called for a turreted fast bomber, and it was because the DH prototypes with fairings only proved so fast that they looked at not having defensive armament at all, with the clean lines and lack of weight giving it sufficient speed to enable it to exceed a performance level for a targeted bomber.
Not quite. The 1936 AM spec P.13/36 had called for a twin engined light bomber/recce aircraft with defensive armament. Right from the start, Geoffrey de Havilland proposed a fast light aircraft with no defensive armaments, therefore outside the spec requirements and never submitted a proposal for it. He stuck to his guns for two years until the AM eventually awarded him a unique one off spec B.1/40/dh. The RAF could have had the Mosquito two years earlier but for their intransigence.
Fascinating video. The biggest surprise: that concrete mould. I think that the Mossie was the most versatile aircraft of WW2 - excelling at whatever role it turned its hand to.
@KRW628 - In Summer 1942, Col Elliott Roosevelt, the Presidents son, arrived in England with two squadrons of P-38 P5,’s Photo Recce, to work up alongside RAF Photo Recce units prior to Operation Torch in N Africa and was given use of a Mosquito for evaluation. The different capabilities of the two aircraft led him to petition General Arnold to re-equip with the Mosquito but the M.I.C. dollar spoke and Arnold directed him to look Stateside and eventual controversy over the Hughes D-2. Nevertheless, returning to Europe after Torch, Roosevelts 325th Photo Wing WAS equiped with two squadrons, 653rd and 654th, with Canadian built Mosquitos which gave stirling work for the B-17’s and B-24’s in the Eighth. These two units flew over 3200 missions and remained active right to the end of the war in Europe.
Thanks. I've always been fascinated by the Mosquito since near end of term in 1965 our normally work-focused taciturn chemistry master let slip that in the last phases of the war he had actually flown in several mossies as a technician calibrating the radar for night fighting. Such was our enthusiasm that for the last double period oof term he turned up with a film of the Mosquito from developement through to deployment as a radar equipped night fighter - including live action footage some of it shot on planes from the station where he had been based.
The Mosquito is one of my favorite WWII aircraft. Some planes were great but, well, ugly. But the Mosquito (Spitfire, Mustang...) were awesome and beautiful. A couple of these I did know but I didn't know they had a version fitted for the bouncing bomb. I always wondered why this weapon wasn't used or at least tried against the German submarine pens. If they weren't, there must be a reason. You weren't (easily...) going to crack them from above and if they had nets to block torpedoes. But skipping a bomb into the opening seems to me to have been worth a try. Wonderful video. The Wife and I did the Ambrose Band of Brothers tour in 2019. Loved the parts of England we did get to see and museums like this make we wish we could go back. Maybe someday... Cheers from Arizona!
Thanks awesome to hear more fascinating facts about this priceless piece of ingenuity. My dad worked for De Havilland and RR. He was an engineer during WW2 helping keep the birds airborne. He was also in the Royal Flying Corp during WW1, he was a great engineer and knew so many of the great names. I still have his Merlin Operators hand book with the RR library stamp in it. Also the De Havilland Gipsy Queen series 70 handbook Volume 2 and many more. To me, priceless, however I'm now 73 and a bit knocked around so Im at a loss as to the best people or organisation to pass them on to.
I helped in the refurbishment of that little building next to Salisbury house back in 1997/8? Forget the exact year but it was a wonderful time. I was working with someone called David who flew his DH Dove based at Fairoaks. Very happy days.
Thank you for the video and thank you for speaking clear and good to follow english language without music in the background. I did know something about the mosquito. However, I was astonished to see slats on the prototype and furthermore the reason for them. Also the concrete shapes for the fuselage I haven´t expected. Looking forward to visit your museum next time I get over to england.
I have just finished “Mosquito” by Roland White - if you have an interest in the Mosquito, then read this book. The aircraft, pilots and navigators are incredible.
I only knew about the bouncing bomb. Somewhere I’ve seen footage of the bomb bouncing back up and striking the mosquito after release, tragically resulting in the loss of the aircraft and crew. Great video. I’ve subscribed.
Did happen to a Mosquito but I've never seen the film. Did happen to USAAF A-26 fitted with the Weapon and that did take the whole tail off (though the bomb was dropped from a stupidly low height.).
I believe also happened to a Lancaster bombers via water splash damage. The bombs had to be released at very low altitude to avoid the outer case shattering on impact.
@@seriousmaran9414 You don't have to believe, there is film footage of it happening to a couple of aircraft in the practice drops done by a number of 617 squadron crews in the days before the Dams Raid. One aircraft was so badly damaged that it couldn't be repaired before the raid.
@@seriousmaran9414 If memory serves the two pilots who did it were Les Munroe and Henry Maludsley. it was Maludsley aircraft which was the one most badly damaged (an elevator got ripped off).
Was there in 2022 in that heat wave in August from Glasgow also did RAF Hendon. It was more or less two miles from my hotel so no excuse. Great wee museum and well worth the visit. Even seen cutaway engine, one opened up turning over.
A most excellent video! I had heard about (2), (3) and (5). Or at least, I wasn't totally unaware of them! Nice to get an authoritative voice on the matter. (4) I knew that there was a mould but I didn't know that it was made of concrete. (6) I had never heard of! Presumably, the turret would have been manned by the navigator/co-pilot rather than a third crew member? I did know that (7) a Mossie had landed on a aircraft carrier but I didn't know that it was the very first twin-engined aeroplane to do so. Impressive! Thank you for a very enjoyable and educational video.
Apparently, when the mosquito aircraft was out in the far east, because of extreme humidity, they had problems because of the wood construction, and it affected its structural integrity?
Thank you on two accounts. 1. Your use of the verb 'may' (rather than is customary on YT, 'don't') is deeply appreciated. 2. I didn't know there was such a place as the de Havilland Aircraft Museum. I'll must visit.
Well worth the visit, to see them in the flesh is a treat. Given De Havilland's history in aviation, it's also interesting to see some of the other planes they produced in the museum. One or two may surprise you as they did me. Thoroughly enjoyed my visit and I have many photos which I treasure.
There are no Mosquitos flying in the UK at the moment. Although I have heard that there are people planning to bring one to the UK in the future: flyaspitfire.com/2023/02/06/mosquito-at-biggin-hill/
Hopefully we will see one flying in the future. A big thumbs up for al those people who keep te history of all this historic planes alive. Especialy the ones in flying condition!@@deHavMuseum
There are currently 4 Mosquitoes flying in the USA and Canada with a 5th almost complete. There are 2 current projects for airworthy Mosquitoes in the UK in a few years time.
The currently flying Mossies are mostly new-built. There was an original T III, but it sadly crashed in the 90s. There is a B 35 that flew in the US, but it is very unlikely to ever fly again
Fantastic! Always great to learn some new details about the fantastic plane. In the past I used to read books about planes, now it is your videos that satisfies the hunger for knowledge of these things. Thank you for putting it together and sharing!
Love LOVE the tongue tied guide near to the end of the video. It's one of the highlights ! Aside from this, the Mossie is the most unsung hero of WW2 skies !
Very good, i didnt know how they formed the fuselage , I will try to get down to take a look at the museum and as i was a member in the early 70s it will also be a trip down memory lane.
Those Mosquito's that were built from scratch, in New Zealand, for rich American clients, were made from one brand new wooden mold, made from scratch, by a Kiwi, years before, without which, it would have been impossible to recreate that beautiful Master of the skies.
The Mosquito had both propellers spinning in the same direction of rotation. Having opposing rotation would be beneficial for various aspects of plane handling. Rolls Royce made versions of the Merlin with opposite rotation of the propeller - so why was this never fitted to twin engine planes such as the Mosquito?
Because they could easily swap a port engine from one U/S aircraft onto another in the starboard position. Mass production was also a factor with lines producing the same engine with the same components.
@@angrygandalf The only change for a reverse rotation propelor was the reduction gearbox, which bolts to the front of the engine. It means a gearbox with an extra pinion between the input pinion and the output shift, so the the prop spins in the same direction as the crankcase instead of opposite rotation.
@@pashakdescilly7517 Ah, ok. Thanks for the insight. I didn’t realise it was that “simple”. This was the reasons I was given when I asked the same question at a museum a while back. The same is true for other aircraft such and the Lancaster? Love to find out the real reason now.
@angrygandalf All Merlins have a reduction gearbox bolted to the front. It is simply a matter of choosing the standard simple reduction box, or one with an intermediate pinion. The pinions on the input and output shafts are a bit smaller. The Mosquito and Lancaster could easily have been specified with a reverse reduction gearbox on one side.
The turret was at the insistence of the Air Ministry who insisted that the bomber version should have rearward defence. DH were able to show that the speed advantage of not having the additional weight was a better defence.
You're Right! I Did Not Know Those Things & I Am A Mosquito Fan Having Watched Several Documentaries & Read Two Autobiographies, One By W.C. J.R.D. Braham & The Radar Ops Who Flew With John Cunningham, C.F. Rawnsley. I Would Give Anything To See One, Even In A Museum. Thank You.
Very interesting, didn’t know any of them save for Canadian production. They might not have been produced in the US but the USAAF certainly used a fair number in the European theater, in the bombing, reconnaissance and night fighter role, (along with Spitfires), Lend Lease was not totally one way. Likely these examples came from Canadian plants?
Well I didn't know any of the seven facts although I give myself a meagre quarter point for knowing the Mosquito was produced in quantity here in Canada. Thanks - I've just subscribed.
I own an early Bentley Mk VI. Its first owner was Mr. Edward (Teddy) Rosen who joined Marconi in the Post Office Wireless Department in 1911. During World War I he joined the Royal Flying Corps where he serviced radios. In 1920 he founded Ultra Electric Limited where he was keen on delivering quality radio sets at a reasonable price. During World War II, Ultra Electric Limited turned production over to equipment for the war effort including manufacturing parts for the De Havilland Mosquito (Ailerons and assemblies).
Mosquitos were built not far from where I currently live in Toronto Ontario. As in Britain, Mosquito production took advantage of the large fine furniture industry that was currently under utilized due to the war. Its astounding how quickly they were able to pull together a team to build what was a very unique aircraft.
The concrete mould one for each half of the aircraft was not subject to size changes like a wooden or steel mould would. The hole and shapes in it are for reinforcing components and structural elements, these where fed into the mould and the plywood balata plywood structure laid and glued up on top. Once set the complete half could be removed from the mould and was then loaded with it half of equipment before the two halves where glued and screwed together. It was then sanded down and and covered with Doped Irish linen giving a smooth weatherproof finish. The Fuselage skin was a composite structure meaning very little framing had to be done internally. With some modification it could carry a 4,000 Lb Cookie Bomb. This shows the structural strength of the fuselage and wings all made of wood. The design was ahead of its time, composite structures are still in use today normally in high end structures.
I'm amazed that the air frame of a Mosquito could survive a carrier landing. Simply creating a hard point for the arresting hook would have been a major design challenge.
If you remember they started out with wooden aircraft. I'm pretty sure the swordfish or whatever their name was, were wooden aircraft that jammed the Bismarks rudder.
@@tedwarden1608 Well my point of them starting out with wooden aircraft is still true. Before the Mosquito, the Fairey Swordfish deserves mention. Although it wasn’t entirely wooden, it had a significant wooden structure. The Swordfish was a biplane torpedo bomber used by the Royal Navy during World War II. Its airframe featured a combination of wood and metal components. Despite its antiquated appearance, the Swordfish played a crucial role in naval operations, including the famous attack on the German battleship Bismarck in 1941. The Swordfish was affectionately known as the “Stringbag” due to its fabric-covered wings and fuselage. So the swordfish was transitional from fully wooden aircraft and fully wooden aircraft (the Mosquito.) That doesn't happen very often.
Interesting tidbit about the bouncing bombs. My father-in-law flew with the Brits (he was a Canadian, I'm unsure if his unit was RAF or RCAF) out of India against the Japanese. They flew B-24 Liberators and skipped conventional bombs into the sides of ships from 50 feet off of the water. Quite a feat with a B-24 since they were flying British crew complements, meaning no co-pilot and the B-24 being notoriously heavy on the controls.
Still an amazing aircraft. My uncle Flight Sargent Stuart Hutt, RCAF and his navigator were killed flying a Mosquito Nov 26 1942 out of Bradwell Bay for RAF 23 Squadron.
It's a tough call, Mosquito or Spitfire, I've always leaned to Mosquito. Old "Hap" should have been a better salesman. Lancaster wins for the heavies. They did some escorting for the 15th Air Force when they were in Libya . I don't recall the pilots name who gave my father a ride - but the navigators nickname was "Tiger" I believe I am correct in saying the "Ministry" also did not want the design to include counter rotating propellers to save cost but would have increased torque and made flying on one engine difficult. Maybe those slats could have helped. The crews who flew these magnificent aircraft were extremely talented and brave. Im anxious for "The Shepard " to launch in December. (new subscriber)
@@peterballan7952 great to know another aficionado of these incredible aircraft. My bookshelves are full of books on all of them. I believe the pilots and crews became one when they flew. Oh and there is an excellent short movie that tells an awesome story coming out in December entitle " The Shepherd " about a lost Vampire including one of our favorites , written by John Forsythe . Cheers
I enjoyed that very much. There is one thing that has me wondering though, and that is how Mosquitoes were repaired when they had sustained damage from flak and bullets.
Just like any other aircraft: you cut out the damage and replace it, putting in reinforcement where needed (in accordance with published repair schemes). If just the fin or one wing were damaged, I would expect that to be replaced, complete. I believe a lot of damaged Mosquitoes were scrapped. That would have thrown up a stock of replacement parts.
Fascinating. It's a real shame that there are no complete examples of the Mosquito's fiestier little sibling, the Hornet. If folk are impressed with airworthy Mossies, an airworthy Hornet would surely be the next level. Eric Brown said the Hornet was possibly one of the most exhilarating aeroplanes he ever flew. Though, I believe those aircraft sent out to the Far East, including the Mosquito, suffered with glue de-bonding in their wooden structure owing to the tropical humidity, an issue that I believe was eventually resolved.
No.8 you did not know. The reason for using wood was NOT the shortage of aluminum, although that was true, but the fact that the production workers had been Piano makers pre war and were skilled in the use of wood. Skilled staff in the use of aluminium were as common as Dodo droppings.
Wood was used for many reasons. DeHavilland had considerable experience with its use and the Air Ministry were not interested in fast bombers. Make the plane with wood meant DeHavilland did not need permission to use aluminium - which the ministry were not going to give.
It was a inert practice bomb which was dropped at Loch Striven. It was recovered by divers in 2017 and donated to the museum. The local newspaper recorded the time it was first put on display. www.hertsad.co.uk/lifestyle/21732249.divers-visit-de-havilland-aircraft-museum-see-bouncing-bomb-raised-scottish-loch/
I didn't know about the turret , or the concrete . Kinda unsurprising really though , cheap and simple . I've got the parts to make a tmk33 sea mossie , and also the highball bouncing bomb , somewhere around this place . Errr model that is !!
Hi everyone,
Since publishing this video, we need to make a couple of clarifications:
- Slats were installed on the Mosquito Prototype following a recommendation from the Air Ministry, as a safeguard, rather than a mandatory requirement.
- Some Internet sources suggest that the proposed Mosquito turret was for defensive armament for the bomber version. However, the surviving documentation is clearer that this was for a proposed night-fighter variant.
- We have discovered that a French twin-engined Potez 567 landed on an aircraft carrier in 1936, and a US Lockheed XJO-3 landed on the USS Lexington in 1939. So the Mosquito can only claim to be the first British twin-engined aircraft to land on a Royal Navy carrier.
- Although “Seasquito” sounds like a brilliant name for the naval version of the Mosquito, the correct name is “Sea Mosquito”; I got a bit tongue-tied when saying that on the video! Sorry to disappoint you.
Question : I know there was a "Tse Tse" model with a 57mm Auto fired Cannon.. There was a rumor of a 96mm Cannon test after the war which worked However after the tested the aircraft was scrapped. Any facts to this?
The Potez landed on MN Bearn, the second REAL carrier after HMS Eagle. The Bearn served from 1927 until 1967.
I've known about the use of balsa wood for donkeys years. The use of a mold as well but not that it was concrete.
Great video.👍
What a truly miraculous aircraft. Nearly eighty odd years later and it still produces surprises.
The design philosophy of the Mosquito was passed on to the English Electric Canberra. At least a couple of the B57 variants might be still in use with NASA and other Companies.
Yes... the first aircraft to use "composites"..... a lot of modern fighters use the same principle but with urethan foam and carbon fibre instead of balsa and ply...
My father was invited down to the embryonic museum to give information. He was flying recce out of the Middle East where he was the CO. He got attacked by enthusiastic Mustang pilots from the USAAF when returning over Austria Italy border. They were supposed to be his escort but thought the plane was German. On several occasions when challenged by a German plane he would either turn and fly directly towards them then if needed dive away knowing that the Mossie would pull up nicely close to the ground or just climb away. One attacker did follow him down but due to poor piloting did not pull out and clipped a hillside. He always said that instructing at the beginning of the war felt far more dangerous than flying the unarmed beautiful Mossie. His navigator who was with him throughout, was also able to fly the plane in an emergency. He would be delighted today to see the Museum flourishing and Mosquitoes taking to the skies again. Many thanks for posting such an interesting video.
I applaud UA-camrs who say 'May not know' rather than the 'You don't know' or 'You get wrong' sort of click bait claims, which I instantly block.
Bravo. Social media cancer.
My uncle RAAF Capt. A.E. Verren was a valued De Haviland test pilot in Australia after the war when Mosquito production still continued locally.
He had survived the war whilst flying ops with RAAF 464 Sqn and had destroyed HX964 in a serious night landing crash. He and navigator E.W. Rogers were seriously injured on the 21st Jan.1944... just four weeks before Operation Jerrico.
He crashed again and both required major medical treatments before returning to Australia.
Albert was a kind and calm man who explained to me that the bravest pilots were the ones without medals as they were often the last plane in a formation to still attack a well stirred up target and then not manage to return to their base. Kudos to all of these men...
aa
One of my favorite model kits as a kid. Fond memories.
My wife's great uncle was a manager at the de Havilland plant in Canada. He had a painting in his office of a couple of Mosquitos doing a low level attack - I have that painting now.
Given how versatile, and successful it was at pretty much everything, it seems likely it would have continued to be developed had the war continued. Best aircraft of WW2.
Thanks , wasn’t the Hornet the Mossies descendant, ? But all too late jets had taken over and De H’avilland were busy at the cutting edge of that, ie Vampire / Venom
@@johncrispin2118 and still using wood and alloy technologies. Bloody amazing.
I work at the factory that produced the glue that bonded the wood together. We still produce adhesives for aircraft all these years later
Was the 'mossie' glue cured by a rudimentary type of 'microwave oven' process?
@@philgee7249 I dont know, possibly. Way before my time lol
@@philgee7249I doubt it. Wasn’t the microwave oven developed post war?
My dad helped to build that prototype Mosquito.... he did mention the slats. He also mentioned the glue problems that they eventually solved with the Urea/Formaldehyde adhesives.... We have an outfit here in NZ that builds Mossies for those with deep pockets. I have seen one of them fly at a local airshow..... impressive...
I have witnessed the 1st public apparence of a Mos. that was purchased at the end of WW2 here in N.Z.. Purchased by a local "collector" it sat in a shed until the owner recently passed. Funny, I work with a guy that as a kid was allowed to "play" inside this plane. What a marvel to stand watching the 1st "public" start up after restoration!!! It will never fly I understand but what a beauty!!
Just magic. ❤
@@outthere9370 John Smith's Mosquito? I've seen it at Omaka a few times. When it's towed outside for an engine run the fans come flocking and I have flocked right along with them. At the air show last year, the fans were seven or eight deep along the fence each time the engines started.
Thank the Maker for men like John Smith, who had the vision to preserve some of our history. The P-51 Mustang that was parked in his shed next to the Mosquito is now flying again. He also had two P-40s: one of which is in the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre next to the Mosquito and the other is also at Omaka, but being restored to flight. His Hudson bomber is displayed in the Heritage Centre.
Very interesting points. The Mosquito is my favorite British WWII aircraft.
This is one of the few 'things you didn't know' videos that hasn't disappointed me.
The "Mossie" is an icon, the aircraft and the men who flew them x As a favourite aircraft type of mine I thought I knew all about it, but this video was well worth the watching!
Great things to learn about the mosquito. My uncle William Stranks always told my cousin that he landed the first mosquito on a carrier, but looking at the photos I think he may have been Eric Browns copilot. I also have coveralls and tool box of one of the master cabinet makers from the DeHaviland factory at Downsview in Toronto Canada. There is a photo of a mosquito construction crew at Downsview with a young Aubrie Price who told me that he did every radio check on every mosquito and lancaster that came out of that factory.
My dad was an RCAF engine mechanic based in England. While in his downtime, he cut and filed down a block of aluminum into the shape of a Mosquito. I proudly have possession of this Mosquito.
He also did something similar with a chunk of plexiglass, but made a Spitfire instead. He gave that one to his sister upon his return, so I’ve never seen it, or know if anyone in her family still has it.
Main reason the "Highball"bouncing bomb wasn't used was that it was intended for the Tirpitz. After the Ruhr dams raid, the Germans figured out that Tirpitz would be a target and took care to always park it in a position where it was impossible to bounce a bomb at it. Barnes Wallace's tallboy bomb did for it in the end.
In one of the RAF attacks on the Tirpitz I seem to remember that it was 617 and number 9 squadrons that carried out the attack .
@@andrewjacobs3219Correct, several near misses and direct hits caused Tirpitz to capsize, 12 November 1944. Lancasters of 9 and 617 Sqns with none lost during the attack.
@@andrewwaller5913 There was a Focke Wulf 190 squadron at a base relatively nearby that could have been a real problem for the Lancasters, had they been scrambled but, due a cascade of mistaken comms and other factors, they never left the ground. The squadron CO was later court-martialled.
Living not very far away from the museum the "Mossie" has always been a favourite.I even played my small part in getting HJ 711 to East Kirkby.
Before my time but to me it remains one of the most marvellous aircraft ever. Thank for the interesting facts.
Arguably the best plane of WW2.
Here here! I can't rest on a favorite though. I love the B17 because my Pop was a B17 Captain. The P38 has always taken my breath away. If you haven't come across it yet, look into the P38 & Charles Lindberg. Lindberg was a huge help to the P38 program. He taught them how to adjust the engines for maximum range & longevity. He laid his reputation & life on the line for that effort.
@@smartazz61 I can't argue with that. The personal connection to history is worth so much.
Yes and what a mark it has made in aviation history... The airports today are brimming with propeller driven wooden aircraft...
A brilliant cul de sac.
@rcbits404 The mosquito is regarded by many as the best due to its impressive speed, versatility, and innovative use of wood construction, which allowed for efficient production amid WW2 shortages in metal and manpower. It excelled in many roles (bomber, reconnaissance, night fighter, escort), making it a strategic asset. Its design, performance, and ease of manufacture combined with effective logistics and high pilot morale made it the most deadly pound-for-pound asset in the skies. If you have the means to transport 21st C aeronautics tech back in time to WW2, please share your insights with the world.
@@austin2842 Don't be so upset, I said it was brilliant. But it was a dead end street constructionwise. The all metal jets that came in the last years of the war showed the way forward and were by that measure more important.
Great video - the more I learn about the Mosquito, the more impressed I am. Would love to have flown one (but not with other people shooting at me!)
would be a millionaires dream to have an airworthy replica made.
@kathrynwhitby9799 Someone posted elsewhere in the comment section that there's a company in NZ that makes replica mossies for those with deep pockets.
Magnificent aircraft ,and surely Eric winkle Brown must be one of the greatest ever pilots
Brilliant video. I was especially interested to learn about the balsa wood sandwich (which other viewers seem to have known about since the world was new); a great innovation, keeping weight low while maintaining strength.
Excellent video. I learned much from it. Don't really no why, but the Mosquito was one of just a few aircraft that fascinated me as a boy. Still fascinated by them today.
know*
As a WWII aircraft enthusiast, and fixing dozens of Airfix models in my childhood (including a 1/72 Mosquito) I must admit I did not know ALL the 7 things that I should know. I had no idea balsa wood was used as a sandwich material. I thought it was all laminated plywood. No idea about the slats, turret, carrier landing, sea mosquito, bouncing bomb. I knew they were mostly used for reconnaissance. And that they were fast!. Great video!!!!
Same here 👍
I saw the first of the reproduction Mossies being made by Avspecs here in NZ (and then later flown). I knew about the balsa-sandwich method, but was surprised it was such a thin layer of balsa, I had for some reason always imagined greater thickness to provide more of a 'box' and therefore make it 'stiffer'. As we know, the resulting monocoque structure was enormously strong.
If I remember correctly, the balsa was used on end-grain, not parallel to the grain of the plywood skins.
@@pashakdescilly7517 Such bias use adds strength. Works with fabrics too.
In around 1966 I visited Salibury Hall and the then curator of the museum let me sit in the cockpit of that prototype !
I understood that the Air Ministry original specification called for a turreted fast bomber, and it was because the DH prototypes with fairings only proved so fast that they looked at not having defensive armament at all, with the clean lines and lack of weight giving it sufficient speed to enable it to exceed a performance level for a targeted bomber.
Not quite. The 1936 AM spec P.13/36 had called for a twin engined light bomber/recce aircraft with defensive armament. Right from the start, Geoffrey de Havilland proposed a fast light aircraft with no defensive armaments, therefore outside the spec requirements and never submitted a proposal for it. He stuck to his guns for two years until the AM eventually awarded him a unique one off spec B.1/40/dh. The RAF could have had the Mosquito two years earlier but for their intransigence.
From here in the States we say Bravo for this excellent video! Thanks for sharing and the very best of luck!
Fascinating video. The biggest surprise: that concrete mould.
I think that the Mossie was the most versatile aircraft of WW2 - excelling at whatever role it turned its hand to.
Very interesting video, I did not know about concrete being used. Hope to visit your museum one day.
Another thing many people don't know, the U.S. Army Air Corp flew more than 140 Mossies in photo recon, weather recon and night fighter roles.
They also flew Spifires as well!
The Mossie was MUCH cooler than the Spitfire.
And the bulk of them were built for the Air Corp In Downsview by DHC .
@KRW628 - In Summer 1942, Col Elliott Roosevelt, the Presidents son, arrived in England with two squadrons of P-38 P5,’s Photo Recce, to work up alongside RAF Photo Recce units prior to Operation Torch in N Africa and was given use of a Mosquito for evaluation. The different capabilities of the two aircraft led him to petition General Arnold to re-equip with the Mosquito but the M.I.C. dollar spoke and Arnold directed him to look Stateside and eventual controversy over the Hughes D-2. Nevertheless, returning to Europe after Torch, Roosevelts 325th Photo Wing WAS equiped with two squadrons, 653rd and 654th, with Canadian built Mosquitos which gave stirling work for the B-17’s and B-24’s in the Eighth. These two units flew over 3200 missions and remained active right to the end of the war in Europe.
@@KRW628I don't believe that was his point.
My favourite aeroplane of all time.
Thanks. I've always been fascinated by the Mosquito since near end of term in 1965 our normally work-focused taciturn chemistry master let slip that in the last phases of the war he had actually flown in several mossies as a technician calibrating the radar for night fighting. Such was our enthusiasm that for the last double period oof term he turned up with a film of the Mosquito from developement through to deployment as a radar equipped night fighter - including live action footage some of it shot on planes from the station where he had been based.
Wow! What a cool teacher to have!
The Mosquito is one of my favorite WWII aircraft. Some planes were great but, well, ugly. But the Mosquito (Spitfire, Mustang...) were awesome and beautiful. A couple of these I did know but I didn't know they had a version fitted for the bouncing bomb. I always wondered why this weapon wasn't used or at least tried against the German submarine pens. If they weren't, there must be a reason. You weren't (easily...) going to crack them from above and if they had nets to block torpedoes. But skipping a bomb into the opening seems to me to have been worth a try. Wonderful video. The Wife and I did the Ambrose Band of Brothers tour in 2019. Loved the parts of England we did get to see and museums like this make we wish we could go back. Maybe someday... Cheers from Arizona!
Thanks awesome to hear more fascinating facts about this priceless piece of ingenuity. My dad worked for De Havilland and RR. He was an engineer during WW2 helping keep the birds airborne. He was also in the Royal Flying Corp during WW1, he was a great engineer and knew so many of the great names. I still have his Merlin Operators hand book with the RR library stamp in it. Also the De Havilland Gipsy Queen series 70 handbook Volume 2 and many more. To me, priceless, however I'm now 73 and a bit knocked around so Im at a loss as to the best people or organisation to pass them on to.
Very informative and enjoyable to watch.
I am astonished by the history of this indomitable plane, absolutely fantastic engineering achievement and kudos to all who flew in them, heroes all.
Great video, thanks! Your museum looks great! That Highball looks like it hit its target!
I helped in the refurbishment of that little building next to Salisbury house back in 1997/8?
Forget the exact year but it was a wonderful time.
I was working with someone called David who flew his DH Dove based at Fairoaks.
Very happy days.
Thank you for the video and thank you for speaking clear and good to follow english language without music in the background. I did know something about the mosquito. However, I was astonished to see slats on the prototype and furthermore the reason for them. Also the concrete shapes for the fuselage I haven´t expected. Looking forward to visit your museum next time I get over to england.
So well done! Just subscribed. As a Mosquito fan I did not know most of these facts, cheers.
I have just finished “Mosquito” by Roland White - if you have an interest in the Mosquito, then read this book. The aircraft, pilots and navigators are incredible.
I only knew about the bouncing bomb. Somewhere I’ve seen footage of the bomb bouncing back up and striking the mosquito after release, tragically resulting in the loss of the aircraft and crew. Great video. I’ve subscribed.
Did happen to a Mosquito but I've never seen the film. Did happen to USAAF A-26 fitted with the Weapon and that did take the whole tail off (though the bomb was dropped from a stupidly low height.).
I believe also happened to a Lancaster bombers via water splash damage. The bombs had to be released at very low altitude to avoid the outer case shattering on impact.
@@seriousmaran9414 You don't have to believe, there is film footage of it happening to a couple of aircraft in the practice drops done by a number of 617 squadron crews in the days before the Dams Raid. One aircraft was so badly damaged that it couldn't be repaired before the raid.
@@richardvernon317 more me distrusting my memory.
@@seriousmaran9414 If memory serves the two pilots who did it were Les Munroe and Henry Maludsley. it was Maludsley aircraft which was the one most badly damaged (an elevator got ripped off).
Was there in 2022 in that heat wave in August from Glasgow also did RAF Hendon. It was more or less two miles from my hotel so no excuse. Great wee museum and well worth the visit. Even seen cutaway engine, one opened up turning over.
A most excellent video!
I had heard about (2), (3) and (5). Or at least, I wasn't totally unaware of them! Nice to get an authoritative voice on the matter.
(4) I knew that there was a mould but I didn't know that it was made of concrete.
(6) I had never heard of! Presumably, the turret would have been manned by the navigator/co-pilot rather than a third crew member?
I did know that (7) a Mossie had landed on a aircraft carrier but I didn't know that it was the very first twin-engined aeroplane to do so. Impressive!
Thank you for a very enjoyable and educational video.
Apparently, when the mosquito aircraft was out in the far east, because of extreme humidity, they had problems because of the wood construction, and it affected its structural integrity?
I believe that is true and was factored into the theaters where it was used.
I visited the museum about a year ago. Thought it well worth the effort.
I had the pleasure and privilege of working at DeHavilland/Hatfield from 1990 until being moved to Woodford in 1994.
I learnt something new today about my favourite WW2 aircraft, concrete moulds 👍
You got a like just for adding the may in the heading ;)
Thank you on two accounts. 1. Your use of the verb 'may' (rather than is customary on YT, 'don't') is deeply appreciated. 2. I didn't know there was such a place as the de Havilland Aircraft Museum. I'll must visit.
Well worth the visit, to see them in the flesh is a treat. Given De Havilland's history in aviation, it's also interesting to see some of the other planes they produced in the museum. One or two may surprise you as they did me. Thoroughly enjoyed my visit and I have many photos which I treasure.
Brilliant presentation. Thanks
Wow, some cool facts about an iconic aircraft. It looks like the museum is well worth a visit! Is there still a Mosquito in flying conditions?
There are no Mosquitos flying in the UK at the moment. Although I have heard that there are people planning to bring one to the UK in the future: flyaspitfire.com/2023/02/06/mosquito-at-biggin-hill/
Hopefully we will see one flying in the future. A big thumbs up for al those people who keep te history of all this historic planes alive. Especialy the ones in flying condition!@@deHavMuseum
There are currently 4 Mosquitoes flying in the USA and Canada with a 5th almost complete. There are 2 current projects for airworthy Mosquitoes in the UK in a few years time.
Thx. Good news, looking forward to see them in the skies@@andrewwaller5913
The currently flying Mossies are mostly new-built. There was an original T III, but it sadly crashed in the 90s. There is a B 35 that flew in the US, but it is very unlikely to ever fly again
Fantastic! Always great to learn some new details about the fantastic plane. In the past I used to read books about planes, now it is your videos that satisfies the hunger for knowledge of these things. Thank you for putting it together and sharing!
Splendid work, thanks for taking time to do this.
Love LOVE the tongue tied guide near to the end of the video. It's one of the highlights ! Aside from this, the Mossie is the most unsung hero of WW2 skies !
Truly indefatigable
bloodyshowoff Our Navy called many a massive Battleship, such bloody silly names. As if any ship could be fatiqued, @@lawriegreen8374
Great video! Keep up the (very) good work!😀
Well done. Thanks for posting.
Very good, i didnt know how they formed the fuselage , I will try to get down to take a look at the museum and as i was a member in the early 70s it will also be a trip down memory lane.
Those Mosquito's that were built from scratch, in New Zealand, for rich American clients, were made from one brand new wooden mold, made from scratch, by a Kiwi, years before, without which, it would have been impossible to recreate that beautiful Master of the skies.
Thank you @@MrDaiseymay
Fascinating talk, and yes, I wasn't aware of many of them!
Brilliant! Thanks!!
Thanks for thw video Simply one of the best (and most beautiful ) aircraft of rhe war.
Excellent!
Really interesting video with some interesting facts about a great plane
The Mosquito had both propellers spinning in the same direction of rotation. Having opposing rotation would be beneficial for various aspects of plane handling. Rolls Royce made versions of the Merlin with opposite rotation of the propeller - so why was this never fitted to twin engine planes such as the Mosquito?
Excellent question!
Because they could easily swap a port engine from one U/S aircraft onto another in the starboard position. Mass production was also a factor with lines producing the same engine with the same components.
@@angrygandalf The only change for a reverse rotation propelor was the reduction gearbox, which bolts to the front of the engine. It means a gearbox with an extra pinion between the input pinion and the output shift, so the the prop spins in the same direction as the crankcase instead of opposite rotation.
@@pashakdescilly7517 Ah, ok. Thanks for the insight. I didn’t realise it was that “simple”. This was the reasons I was given when I asked the same question at a museum a while back. The same is true for other aircraft such and the Lancaster? Love to find out the real reason now.
@angrygandalf All Merlins have a reduction gearbox bolted to the front. It is simply a matter of choosing the standard simple reduction box, or one with an intermediate pinion. The pinions on the input and output shafts are a bit smaller. The Mosquito and Lancaster could easily have been specified with a reverse reduction gearbox on one side.
Very interesting information. Thank you for sharing it.
Great Video Dennis. Well done!
Thanks, Gren. As volunteers at the museum, there are always new things to learn !
Great stuff ❤🇬🇧
Very interesting video indeed !
Thanks a lot.
Thank you. Excellent video. I have subscribed.
Thanks for the sub!
The turret was at the insistence of the Air Ministry who insisted that the bomber version should have rearward defence. DH were able to show that the speed advantage of not having the additional weight was a better defence.
Amazing video, a great ac I love it
Beautiful aircraft 🏆
You're Right! I Did Not Know Those Things & I Am A Mosquito Fan Having Watched Several Documentaries & Read Two Autobiographies, One By W.C. J.R.D. Braham & The Radar Ops Who Flew With John Cunningham, C.F. Rawnsley. I Would Give Anything To See One, Even In A Museum. Thank You.
Very interesting, didn’t know any of them save for Canadian production. They might not have been produced in the US but the USAAF certainly used a fair number in the European theater, in the bombing, reconnaissance and night fighter role, (along with Spitfires), Lend Lease was not totally one way. Likely these examples came from Canadian plants?
The slats surprised me. I wouldn't think something so fast would have stall problems. They might have helped land on carriers though.
Great vid. Thanks.
Well I didn't know any of the seven facts although I give myself a meagre quarter point for knowing the Mosquito was produced in quantity here in Canada. Thanks - I've just subscribed.
I own an early Bentley Mk VI. Its first owner was Mr. Edward (Teddy) Rosen who joined Marconi in the Post Office Wireless Department in 1911. During World War I he joined the Royal Flying Corps where he serviced radios. In 1920 he founded Ultra Electric Limited where he was keen on delivering quality radio sets at a reasonable price. During World War II, Ultra Electric Limited turned production over to equipment for the war effort including manufacturing parts for the De Havilland Mosquito (Ailerons and assemblies).
Nice video, new subscriber
Mosquitos were built not far from where I currently live in Toronto Ontario. As in Britain, Mosquito production took advantage of the large fine furniture industry that was currently under utilized due to the war. Its astounding how quickly they were able to pull together a team to build what was a very unique aircraft.
The concrete mould one for each half of the aircraft was not subject to size changes like a wooden or steel mould would. The hole and shapes in it are for reinforcing components and structural elements, these where fed into the mould and the plywood balata plywood structure laid and glued up on top. Once set the complete half could be removed from the mould and was then loaded with it half of equipment before the two halves where glued and screwed together. It was then sanded down and and covered with Doped Irish linen giving a smooth weatherproof finish. The Fuselage skin was a composite structure meaning very little framing had to be done internally. With some modification it could carry a 4,000 Lb Cookie Bomb. This shows the structural strength of the fuselage and wings all made of wood. The design was ahead of its time, composite structures are still in use today normally in high end structures.
Great Stuff - Thanks!
I'm amazed that the air frame of a Mosquito could survive a carrier landing. Simply creating a hard point for the arresting hook would have been a major design challenge.
If you remember they started out with wooden aircraft. I'm pretty sure the swordfish or whatever their name was, were wooden aircraft that jammed the Bismarks rudder.
Look for this video: Capt. Eric 'Winkle' Brown: the first Mosquito carrier deck landing
@@dave_ecclecticthe swordfish was constructed out steel tubing.
@@tedwarden1608
Well my point of them starting out with wooden aircraft is still true.
Before the Mosquito, the Fairey Swordfish deserves mention. Although it wasn’t entirely wooden, it had a significant wooden structure. The Swordfish was a biplane torpedo bomber used by the Royal Navy during World War II. Its airframe featured a combination of wood and metal components. Despite its antiquated appearance, the Swordfish played a crucial role in naval operations, including the famous attack on the German battleship Bismarck in 1941. The Swordfish was affectionately known as the “Stringbag” due to its fabric-covered wings and fuselage.
So the swordfish was transitional from fully wooden aircraft and fully wooden aircraft (the Mosquito.) That doesn't happen very often.
Interesting tidbit about the bouncing bombs.
My father-in-law flew with the Brits (he was a Canadian, I'm unsure if his unit was RAF or RCAF) out of India against the Japanese.
They flew B-24 Liberators and skipped conventional bombs into the sides of ships from 50 feet off of the water. Quite a feat with a B-24 since they were flying British crew complements, meaning no co-pilot and the B-24 being notoriously heavy on the controls.
Great Stuff! Enjoyed a lot, first timer and I have of course done the sub n like.
Bob
England
Fantastic info. Thank you.
Still an amazing aircraft. My uncle Flight Sargent Stuart Hutt, RCAF and his navigator were killed flying a Mosquito Nov 26 1942 out of Bradwell Bay for RAF 23 Squadron.
Fantastic information. Many thanks :)
Great info!
It's a tough call, Mosquito or Spitfire, I've always leaned to Mosquito. Old "Hap" should have been a better salesman. Lancaster wins for the heavies. They did some escorting for the 15th Air Force when they were in Libya . I don't recall the pilots name who gave my father a ride - but the navigators nickname was "Tiger" I believe I am correct in saying the "Ministry" also did not want the design to include counter rotating propellers to save cost but would have increased torque and made flying on one engine difficult. Maybe those slats could have helped. The crews who flew these magnificent aircraft were extremely talented and brave. Im anxious for "The Shepard " to launch in December. (new subscriber)
You echo exactly, my own favourite aircraft of WW2, Spit, Hurricane, Lanc and Mossie.
@@peterballan7952 great to know another aficionado of these incredible aircraft. My bookshelves are full of books on all of them. I believe the pilots and crews became one when they flew. Oh and there is an excellent short movie that tells an awesome story coming out in December entitle " The Shepherd " about a lost Vampire including one of our favorites , written by John Forsythe . Cheers
I enjoyed that very much. There is one thing that has me wondering though, and that is how Mosquitoes were repaired when they had sustained damage from flak and bullets.
A novel question. I'm sure we'll get an answer maybe a video. Regards.
Just like any other aircraft: you cut out the damage and replace it, putting in reinforcement where needed (in accordance with published repair schemes). If just the fin or one wing were damaged, I would expect that to be replaced, complete. I believe a lot of damaged Mosquitoes were scrapped. That would have thrown up a stock of replacement parts.
Cool thank you I'd never heard of the slats, the turret and th U.S. considering production either. Thanks very much!
The USA did use them I think for recon mission flying from the UK
Fascinating. It's a real shame that there are no complete examples of the Mosquito's fiestier little sibling, the Hornet. If folk are impressed with airworthy Mossies, an airworthy Hornet would surely be the next level. Eric Brown said the Hornet was possibly one of the most exhilarating aeroplanes he ever flew.
Though, I believe those aircraft sent out to the Far East, including the Mosquito, suffered with glue de-bonding in their wooden structure owing to the tropical humidity, an issue that I believe was eventually resolved.
Great video...👍
I love this aircraft!
My Great Aunt built these during WW2 at what is now London Luton Airport
No.8 you did not know. The reason for using wood was NOT the shortage of aluminum, although that was true, but the fact that the production workers had been Piano makers pre war and were skilled in the use of wood. Skilled staff in the use of aluminium were as common as Dodo droppings.
Have no idea how you or where you obtained this incorrect information .
Wood was used for many reasons. DeHavilland had considerable experience with its use and the Air Ministry were not interested in fast bombers. Make the plane with wood meant DeHavilland did not need permission to use aluminium - which the ministry were not going to give.
At 3:52, that Highball bomb, I presume that is a practice bomb? And is that dent as a result of being dropped and tried?
It was a inert practice bomb which was dropped at Loch Striven. It was recovered by divers in 2017 and donated to the museum. The local newspaper recorded the time it was first put on display. www.hertsad.co.uk/lifestyle/21732249.divers-visit-de-havilland-aircraft-museum-see-bouncing-bomb-raised-scottish-loch/
@@deHavMuseum Thank you for that.
This was my FAVOURITE aircraft. *I LOVED THE MOSQUITO, AND WISH I HAD BEEN ALIVE TO FLY ONE!*
I did know most of the things you talked about ( vconcrete foemers etc )
I didn't know about the turret , or the concrete . Kinda unsurprising really though , cheap and simple . I've got the parts to make a tmk33 sea mossie , and also the highball bouncing bomb , somewhere around this place . Errr model that is !!