The Mosquito was one of the fastest operational aircraft in the world in 1941, and was used in a variety of roles, including medium bomber, reconnaissance, tactical strike, anti-submarine warfare, shipping attacks and night fighter duties. It was also used for a number of special operations, such as the dropping of agents and supplies into occupied Europe.
Over 7,700 were built. It was used by the Royal Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces. It continued to be used in service after the war, and was retired from RAF service in 1956.
A highly innovative aircraft, and its use of wood construction was a major factor in its success. Wood is a strong and lightweight material, and it is also relatively easy to work with. This made the Mosquito easy to build and maintain, and it also gave it a high top speed.
The Mosquito was a popular aircraft with its crews, and it was known for its reliability and performance. It was also a very versatile aircraft, and it was used in a wide variety of roles. This made it an invaluable asset to the Allied air forces during the Second World War.
The FB Mk VI variant was powered by two Rolls-Royce Merlin 21 or 23 liquid-cooled V12 engines, each producing around 1,460 horsepower. The powerful engines enabled the Mosquito to reach a top speed of over 380 mph (610 km/h).
The armament varied depending on the mission. It typically carried four 20mm Hispano cannons in the nose and four .303 inch Browning machine guns in the wings. It could also carry various bombs, rockets, or torpedoes under its wings or in an internal bomb bay.
One of its most significant operations was the precision raid on the Amiens prison in 1944, where resistance fighters were held captive. Mosquito aircraft breached the prison walls, allowing the escape of hundreds of prisoners. Additionally, the Mosquito played a vital role in bombing raids, such as the famous attack on the Gestapo headquarters in Oslo, Norway.
This 1:72nd scale models comes in flight mode, so aircraft can be displayed on a plinth which is included in the pack.
On the plinth is printed
DeHavilland Mosquito FB MkIV
Sqn Ldr Robert Allen Kipp & Flt Lt Peter Huletsky
Holmsley South, April 1944
