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The De Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth is a two-seat bi-plane. Developed out of the De Havilland
DH.60 Gipsy Moth as a trainer for the R.A.F., the DH.60T Tiger Moth powered by a 120 hp Gipsy III
engine was tested late summer 1931. The DH.60T was followed soon by improved the DH.82, which flew
first on 26 October 1931. After certification trials the Air Ministry placed an initial order for
35 airframes, K2567-K2601. The De Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth deliveries to the Royal Air Force's 3
Flight Training School started in May 1932. In 1933, the improved DH.82A Tiger Moth II powered by a
130 Gipsy major engine was introduced. Production commenced in 1934. A total of 8492 De Havilland
DH.82 were built, not only in the UK but also in Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Canada, Australia and
New Zealand. The Tiger Moth was in use with military- and civil flying-schools all over the world.
The Indian Air Force operated nearly 150 DH.82 and DH.82A Tiger Moth airframes, of which De
Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd. manufactured 128 in Australia. |
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On 30 July 1990, the DH.82A Tiger Moth N90277 was photographed at the airfield of Freiburg in Germany. The oldtimer-biplane
wear its original Delhi Flying Club Ltd. colours. About the history of this airframe is little known. The "HU726"
was assembled in India and operated as "HU-726" by the Indian Air Force as a training aircraft. After being withdrawn
from use most of the remaining Tiger Moths in service with the IAF were disposed off to flying clubs like the Delhi Flying Club.
On 18 May 1982, the HU‑726 was registered N90277 in the USA. After the aircraft was sold in the UK, the registration
N90277 was cancelled on 13 November 2007. |
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