The De Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth is a British biplane designed primarily for training purposes, first introduced in the 1930s. It quickly became one of the most iconic and widely used aircraft of its time, known for its stability, simplicity, and ease of handling. The Tiger Moth was initially developed for the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a trainer for cadets learning to fly, but it soon became a civilian favorite for aerobatics, sport flying, and glider towing after its military use.

With its distinctive tandem seating arrangement and open cockpit, the DH-82 provided a unique flying experience. It was renowned for its excellent low-speed handling and its ability to fly at slow speeds without losing control, which made it ideal for training new pilots during the early stages of World War II and beyond.

Key Specifications (De Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth)

• Crew: 2 (Pilot and Student).
• Capacity: 1 passenger.
• Length: 7.92 m (26 ft 0 in).
• Wingspan: 8.16 m (26 ft 9 in).
• Height: 2.82 m (9 ft 3 in).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 1,150 kg (2,535 lb).
• Engines: 1 × Gypsy Major 1F, 1.3 L, 130 hp inline engine.
• Cruise Speed: ~160 km/h (99 mph).
• Range: ~450 km (280 miles).
• Ceiling: ~4,575 m (15,000 ft).

Notable Features

• Trainer Aircraft: The DH-82 was designed primarily as a trainer aircraft, used by the RAF and other air forces for instructing new pilots in basic flight techniques, including aerobatics and navigation.
• Open Cockpit: The tandem open cockpit arrangement gave both the instructor and the student an unobstructed view, a feature that also made it an ideal platform for stunt and aerobatic flying.
• Simple and Robust Design: The Tiger Moth was known for its simple, sturdy construction, making it easy to maintain and repair in the field. Its biplane configuration provided excellent low-speed stability, making it forgiving to novice pilots.
• Low-Speed Handling: The aircraft's slow-speed handling and ability to perform tight turns at low speeds made it an excellent choice for flight training and aerobatic maneuvers.
• Widespread Use: The Tiger Moth was widely used by various military and civilian operators around the world. In addition to serving as a trainer, it was also used in commercial aviation for crop dusting, glider towing, and airshows.

Operators & Usage

• Military Use: The DH-82 Tiger Moth was widely used by the RAF, Commonwealth forces, and other countries' air forces for pilot training during and after World War II. It was also used for reconnaissance and communications missions in some regions.
• Civilian Use: After its military service, many Tiger Moths were sold to private owners, where they became popular for aerobatic flying, sport aviation, and airshows. They were also used in civilian roles such as crop dusting and glider towing.
• Glider Towing: Due to its robust design and steady low-speed handling, the Tiger Moth was often employed for towing gliders, particularly in the early years of civilian aviation.
• End of Service: While the DH-82 was gradually phased out of military service, many examples remain in private hands today, where they are flown for recreational and historical purposes. The Tiger Moth's enduring legacy in the world of aviation is reflected in its continued use by vintage aircraft enthusiasts and aerobatic pilots.