INDEX OF NAVAL AIRCRAFT

 

   de Havilland 
DH 85 Leopard Moth
 
Leopard Moth DH85 G-APKH preserved in airworthy condition (UK)

History

The Leopard Moth High-wing, cabin monoplane tourer was introduced in 1933 as a successor to the Puss Moth. It first flew on 27 May, 1933. Two weeks later the type won the King's Cup Race at Hatfield. This guaranteed success and a total of 133 aircraft were built, all during the next three years.

The Fleet Air Arm only saw two Leopard Moth on its inventory, both being impressed, G-ADHB and OO-APP. The first W9371 (ex G-ADHB) joined 759 squadron at Eastleigh in April 1940, and was on the charge of the RAF by 1941, and the second ES945 (ex OO-APP) served with the Communications Flight at Worthy Down during 1942-1943, and finally being payed off from 799 squadron in April 1946.
 

Fleet Air Arm history
    Leopard Moth
    Total FAA 1939-1945:        2
    First delivered to RN:         759 sqdn 1940
    First squadron 1939-1945:   1940
    Operational squadron:          None
    Last served with RN            Postwar till 1946
Aircraft Type:
 de Havilland DH 85 Leopard Moth
Mark:
 -
Primary Role:
 Liaison, Communications
First Flight: 
 1933
Date operating with FAA squadrons:
 1940-1946
Manufacturer:
 de Havilland
Engine:
 One 95kW D.H. Gipsy Major
 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: 
 -
Empty Weight: Max.Weight:
 -
Speed: 

Ceiling: 

Range:

 Speed: 220km/h 
Ceiling: 6500m 
Range: 1150km
Armament: 
 None
Crew:
 Crew 1: Load: 2 seats
Squadrons:
 759 squadron Eastleigh 
Communications Flight Worthy Down 
799 squadron
Battle honours:
 None with FAA
Additional references and notes:
 -

Battle Honours and Operational History
None with FAA

Surviving aircraft and relics
A number of Leopard Moths exist around the world including airworthy examples in the UK and New Zealand.  Examples include: DH85 Leopard Moth G-AIYS in the Woodford Collection and DH.85 Leopard Moth G-ACMN privately owned by Carolyn Grace UK.

Leopard Moth DH85 G-APKH preserved in the UK

 Croydon Aircraft Company, Old Mandeville Airfield (NZ): Leopard Moth DH85 airworthy

Associations and reunions
FURTHER INFORMATION
  
De Havilland type-by-type listing Listing of DH types
De Havilland Aircraft since 1909' by A.J.Jackson.
   Sturtivant, R. & Burrow, M (1995) 'Fleet Air Arm Aircraft 1939 to 1945'  Published by Air Britain (Historians) Ltd, 1995 ISBN: 085130 232 7 
Created 3-4-1999, Modified 3-4-2000
 

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