Was the Mosquito the best plane of ww2?

Mass production was ordered in June 1941. By the end of January 1942, contracts were awarded for 1,378 variants of the Mosquito plus another 400 built by de Havilland Canada. The Mosquito truly deserves the title as best British World War II aircraft: for its versatility, its speed, and its design.

How many de Havilland Mosquito were shot down?

From September 1944 through to May 1945 a total of 92 night-flying Mosquitos of all marks on bombing, target marking, intruder and night fighter operations were lost. As far as can be ascertained, three of the Me 262 claims over Mosquitos coincide with RAF records.

How good was the de Havilland Mosquito?

The Mosquito was an unarmed bomber with a crew of two, able to carry a bigger bombload farther than a B-17. It was also a fighter-bomber and a night fighter with an eight-gun nose battery. It was the most productive photoreconnaissance aircraft of the war. The war’s most effective extreme-low-altitude intruder.

Was the Mosquito a good aircraft?

To go with its speed, the Mosquito also had an excellent operational range (1,800 miles) and ceiling (the Mk XV had a ceiling of 44,000 feet). With such qualities, the Mosquito was an excellent plane for photo reconnaissance and it started this task in September 1941.

Are there any p38 Lightnings still flying?

The Lockheed P-38 Lighting is an American two-engine fighter used by the United States Army Air Forces and other Allied air forces during World War II. Of the 10,037 planes built, 26 survive today, 22 of which are located in the United States, and 10 of which are airworthy.

Was the Mosquito a fighter or bomber?

Mosquito, in full De Havilland DH-98 Mosquito, British twin-engine, two-seat, mid-wing bomber aircraft that was adapted to become the prime night fighter of the Allies during World War II.

Which was faster Mosquito or p38?

P-38 was faster (similar top speed, much better acceleration). P-38 had greater range. P-38 carried similar maximum load of bombs. Yet, P-38 could dogfight (especially at high speeds) while the Mosquito couldn’t.

Are there any de Havilland mosquitoes still flying?

The de Havilland Mosquito is a British two-engine multi-role combat aircraft used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied air forces during World War II. Of the 7,781 planes built, 30 survive today, four of which are airworthy. Eight planes are currently under restoration.

What kind of construction did the de Havilland Mosquito have?

Construction concepts pioneered in the DH.88 Comet were later used in the Mosquito. By the early to mid-1930s, de Havilland had a reputation for innovative high-speed aircraft with the DH.88 Comet racer. The later DH.91 Albatross airliner pioneered the composite wood construction used for the Mosquito.

What is the de Havilland DH 98 Mosquito?

DAYTON, Ohio – De Havilland DH 98 cockpit at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo) The famous British Mosquito – known to many as “Mossie” – was a versatile aircraft used extensively during World War II.

What kind of people made Mosquito mainplanes?

There would be, on the other hand, many experienced carpenters, piano, cabinet, and furniture makers available whose skills could be used. Like the Comet and Albatross mainplanes, de Havilland constructed Mosquito mainplanes out of shaped pieces of wood and plywood cemented together with Casein glue.

What aircraft did de Havilland make in the 1930s?

By the early-mid-1930s, de Havilland had a reputation for innovative high-speed aircraft with the DH.88 Comet racer. The later DH.91 Albatross airliner pioneered the composite wood construction used for the Mosquito.