The Tiger Moth was a WWII trainer used to train Hurricane and Spitfire pilots of the Battle of Britain fame. It evolved from the earlier DH60 Gipsy Moth a 1924 design.

The Tiger Moth has its very own unique place in history associated with pioneering aviators such as Amy Johnson and Cobham’s flying circus.

The DH82A Tiger Moth took its first flight in 1931, it was about a year after this that it went in to service as a basic trainer for pilots throughout the war. By the end of the Second World War it is thought that there were around 5000 of these aircraft built.

Facts about the DH82A Tiger Moth

Use – basic two seat trainer
Type – wood and fabric covered bi-plane

Technical information

• Length – 25ft 8ins
• Height – 7ft 1ins
• Weight – 2000lbs
• Wing span – 34ft 4ins
• Engine – De Havilland Gipsy Major a 4-cylinder inverted air-cooled
• 145 hp

Performance

• Manufacturer – de Havilland aircraft Co Ltd
• Max speed – 139kts
• Cruising speed – 75 kts
• Range – 300 miles (480 km)
• Service ceiling – 18,000ft (4,880m)