INDEX OF NAVAL AIRCRAFT

 

   de Havilland
DH 60 Moth
 
History

The De Havilland DH-60 Moth was the first in a long line of extremely successful light sporting biplanes. DH Moths were used for several long-distance flights, including two from England to Australia in 1929, and a flight across the Tasman Sea in 1930.

The first DH-60 flew on 22 February, 1924 and on 5 July, 1927, a DH-60 piloted by Lady Bailey achieved an altitude of 5,275 m. Moths went to Canada in 1927 and were used in the Hudson Strait Expedition.

The Fleet Air Arm received a total of 6 DH 60 Moths both ex RAF and various impressments. The majority were impressed from the Hampshire School of Flying, the first being received in May 1939 to 769 and 767 squadrons at Donisbristle. The aircraft were primarily used by the squadrons at Hyeres and for deck landing on HMS Argus early in the war. The last saw service with 759 squadron at Eastleigh in October 1943.


        Fleet Air Arm history
            De Havilland Moth
            Total FAA 1939-1945:            6
            First delivered to RN:             1939
            First squadron 1939 -1945:      769/767 sqdns
            First Operational Sqdn:           None
            Last served with RN               1943

Aircraft Type:
 de Havilland Moth
Mark:
 -
Primary Role:
 training
First Flight: 
 22 February, 1924
Date operating with FAA squadrons:
 1939-1943
Manufacturer:
 de Havilland
Engine:
 One Cirrus II, 85 hp, in-line engine 
 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: 
 Wing Span: 30 ft (9.1 m) 
Length: 23 ft 8 1/2 in (7.2 m) 
Height: 8 ft 9 1/2 in (2.7 m) 
Empty Weight: Max.Weight:
 Weight, Empty: 890 lb (404 kg) 
Weight, Gross:1,550 lb (703 kg)
Speed: 

Ceiling: 

Range:

 Cruising Speed: 85 mph (137 km/h) 
Max Speed: 95 mph (152 km/h) 
Rate of Climb: 650 ft (198 m)/min 
Service Ceiling: 17,000 ft (5,180 m) 
Range: 430 mi (692 km) 
Armament: 
 None
Crew:
 2 crew, 1 passenger
Squadrons:
 767,769,770,782
Battle honours:
 None
Additional references and notes:
 -

Battle Honours and Operational History
None with the Fleet Air Arm

Surviving aircraft and relics
A dozen or so DH 60 Moths survive around the world, including about 7 in airworthy condition. Examples of preserved aircraft can be found at the Blue Max Movie Aircraft Museum (UK), Woodford collection (UK), National Aviation Museum (Canada), and a few in private hands.


De Havilland Moth G-A.. preserved uin airworthy condition (UK)


G-CAUA preserved at the Canadian National Aviation Museum
Associations and reunions
FURTHER INFORMATION
  
De Havilland Aircraft Since 1909  by A. J. Jackson Details of the de Havilland aircraft
  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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