COBI DE HAVILLAND DH-98 MOSQUITO #5735

The de Havilland DH-98 Mosquito was a British multi-role combat aircraft that served during World War II. It was constructed almost entirely of wood, earning it the nickname “The Wooden Wonder.” The Mosquito was designed by Geoffrey de Havilland and his team in the mid-1930s, with the first prototype flying in November 1940.

The aircraft was powered by two Rolls-Royce Merlin engines and had a top speed of over 400 mph, making it one of the fastest operational aircraft of its time. It was also highly maneuverable and had a long range, allowing it to perform a variety of missions, including fighter-bomber, night fighter, reconnaissance, and even high-altitude bombing.

The Mosquito played a crucial role in several significant operations during the war, including the bombing of Berlin, the destruction of the Gestapo headquarters in Oslo, and the sinking of the German battleship Tirpitz. It was also used extensively for photo-reconnaissance, with some Mosquito variants capable of flying at altitudes of over 40,000 feet.

Overall, the Mosquito was highly regarded by those who flew it and was considered one of the most versatile aircraft of the war. It continued to serve in various roles with the Royal Air Force (RAF) until the early 1950s, and several examples are still flying today in museums and private collections around the world.