Airfix Kit de Havilland D.H.82a Tiger Moth 1:48

Even though the classic de Havilland Tiger Moth is considered one of the most important aircraft in the history of British aviation, it rarely receives the popular respect it deserves and is usually in the shadow of more glamorous types, such as the Supermarine Spitfire and de Havilland’s own Mosquito. Despite this, without the availability of thousands of Tiger Moths to train a constant stream of pilots for military and civilian service, Britain and her Commonwealth would have been in real trouble during WWII. Most pilots who would go on to fly the numerous Allied aircraft types of the Second World War would have learned their trade on this classic training aircraft.

Coming from a successful line of biplane designs, the DH.82 Tiger Moth made its first flight in October 1931 and was the result of the company’s founder wanting to produce an aircraft superior to its predecessors, while possessing enough appeal to attract interest from several different aviation sectors. Its success resulted in an immediate order from the RAF, who viewed the aircraft as an ideal primary trainer for pilots beginning their flying careers and destined to fly the latest front line aircraft. Their modest original order was followed by several subsequent orders, and as the world descended into conflict in 1939, the Royal Air Force would have around 500 Tiger Moths on strength. Many more examples were owned by flying clubs all over the country, and many of these were also pressed into military service due to the need to train as many new pilots as possible. With its growing reputation, the aircraft also secured many overseas orders, ensuring that the de Havilland production lines were fully committed to supplying this superb aircraft.