De Havilland Leopard Moth
The de Havilland DH85 Leopard Moth was a designed as a high-wing three -seater touring aircraft of the British manufacturer de Havilland Aircraft Company from the year 1933. It was the successor to the DH80 Puss Moth.
History
When designing the de Havilland DH85 drew on many components of the Puss Moth. What was new was the frame made entirely of wood, which was significantly lighter than the steel tube construction of its predecessor. Despite having the same engine as range, speed and payload could be increased. The outer skin consisted of stoffbespanntem plywood. Was powered by a Gipsy Major - line engine.
The prototype made its maiden flight on 27 May 1933. In the following July he won the victory in the King's Cup Race with the designer Geoffrey de Havilland as a pilot. 62 Of the 133 copies built emerged abroad. Production ended in 1936.
At the outbreak of World War II 44 aircraft were seized by the military and used in the UK and in Australia primarily as a liaison aircraft. Few machines survived the war, but are partially preserved in flying condition today.
Military user
- Belgian Congo Belgian Congo: 1 from 9 October 1940.
- British India British India
- Deutsches Reich Nazi German Empire
- Yugoslavia Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1918: Royal Yugoslav Air Force
- Netherlands The Netherlands
- Portugal
- Spain
- Straits Settlements: Malayan Volunteer Air Force
- South Africa 1961 South Africa
- Rhodesia Southern Rhodesia Sud 1923: 1
- United Kingdom United Kingdom