Background[]
An unique design introduced into British service in November 1941, a year after its first flight and a troubled designed history. The de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito was a twin-engine multi-role combat aircraft made almost entirely out of wood. Crewed by two pilots, the Mosquito was used in a variety of roles, including as a light and fast bomber, night fighter, maritime strike aircraft, reconaissance plane, fast transport, and more.
They were instrumental to the success of the British bombing campaign against Nazi Germany, where their speed and agility made them difficult, if not impossible to intercept by Nazi fighters. In fact, after high losses suffered in the beginning of its service, the Mosquito would end the war with the lowest losses of any RAF Bomber Command Service and bear the distinction of being one of the most precise and destructive bombers in service. A total of over 7,700 Mosquitos were produced, remaining in service as late as 1950.
Models[]
Photo-reconnaissance variants[]
- Mosquito PR.XVI: The Mosquito PR Mk XVI was the most numerous photo reconnaissance version of the Mosquito, with a total of 435 produced from November 1943. Like Mosquito B Mk XVI, Mosquito PR Mk XVI were equipped with Merlin 72 engine and had a pressurized cabin. In 2nd Tactical Air Force No.140 Squadron used Mosquito PR Mk XVI during the lead up and during to the Normandy Campaign.