de Havilland DH.82a Tiger Moth

Trainer

Airworthy - On Display

The Tiger Moth is a 1930s biplane that was operated by many Commonwealth and Allied nations during the Second World War.  The types handling was found to be ideal for training pilots and therefore the type was used as an initial trainer in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan before trainees moved onto the more powerful Harvard and fighter types.  Although considered to be a leisurely and stable, the Tiger Moth proved to be a handful when performing aerobatics or formation flying.

This particular Tiger Moth (NZ1448) was constructed by the de Havilland (NZ) Company at Rongotai (Wellington) and served with the RNZAF from 1942 to 1955.  It is painted in the markings that it wore   There are a number of Tiger Moths at Ardmore and throughout New Zealand, being an historic and popular vintage aircraft.

Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Engine: Gipsy Major, 130 Hp Inverted 4 Cylinder Engine
Length: 7.34m (23ft 11in)
Height: 2.68m (8ft 9in)
Wing Span: 8.94m (29ft 4in)
Cruise Speed: 67 mph (108 kmh or 58 knots)
Maximum Speed: 109 mph (175 kmh or 95 knots)
Range: 302 miles (486 km)
Service Ceiling: 13,600ft (4,145m)