1942 DE HAVILLAND DH.82 TIGER MOTH

Produced by De Havilland in United Kingdom/England, DH-82 Tiger Moth takes place in the history of aviation as one of the most popular single engine, biplane, military and civilian training aircrafts of its time. During and before the WW II, it was used for training purposes by the Royal Air Forces (RAF), United Kingdom Air Force and the national air forces of many countries.

The production of Tiger Moth began in 1930s. The aircraft has two seats with an open cockpit. It has a wooden propeller and its body and wings are covered with cloth. It is empowered by “Gipsy Major I” engine with 145 HP.

DH-82 Tiger Moth prototype was developed from the previous model, DH 60 Moth. Some basic changes were made in case of a need for jumping with a parachute. Another change was made on the fuel tanks placed near the cockpit which were causing an obstacle, resulting in the upper wing moving further than the lower wing.

Another distinctive quality of Tiger Moth model is the circular arm control which takes place only in the lower wing, providing a quick fix of ailerons during risky maneuvers. There is also a system called “Slat” on the upper wing heading edge to hold in the air at very slow speeds.

After WWII, some of these aircrafts were sold to flight clubs and civilians. They were used for air advertising, air ambulance, acrobatics and glider pull.

Produced in 1942, with serial number T7471, Tiger Moth is in the inventory of M.S.Ö. Air & Space Museum. The most significant aspect of Tiger Moth in our museum is that it is a “film star”. DH 82 Tiger Moth is the aircraft used in the movie “The English Patient”, which was shot in 1996, receiving the Oscar Award in 9 branches.

DH.82 Tiger Moth is in airworthy condition and was brought to M.S.Ö. Air & Space Museum with the contributions of Ali İsmet ÖZTÜRK.

A scene from "The English Patient"

Tiger Moth at the filming of "The English Patient"

Specifications:

Length

Crew

Wingspan

Height

Wing area

Empty Weight

ENGINE

7,34 M

1-2

8,94 M

2,68 M

22,2 M²

506 KG

1 × DE HAVILLAND GIPSY MAJOR I

Length  7,34 M

Crew 1-2 

Wingspan 8,94 M

Height 2,68 M

Wing area 22.2 M²

Empty Weight 506 KG

ENGINE 1 × DE HAVILLAND GIPSY MAJOR I