de Havilland Aircraft Company
de Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth
The de Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth was a three‑seat, high‑wing monoplane introduced in 1929 by the de Havilland Aircraft Company to bridge the gap between light sport aircraft and larger transport types. Designed by Geoffrey de Havilland, the Puss Moth combined a sleek, streamlined wooden fuselage with a metal‑skinned wing, and was powered initially by a 120 hp de Havilland Gipsy III engine; later versions employed the more robust 130 hp Gipsy Major. Its fully enclosed cabin, side‑by‑side seating for two and a rear passenger seat, offered unprecedented comfort for private owners and flying clubs. The aircraft’s retractable landing gear – a rare feature for the era – reduced drag and contributed to a cruising speed of about 115 mph and a range exceeding 500 miles. Production continued through the early 1930s, with 251 examples built, many serving in Europe, Australia, and Africa. The Puss Moth’s reliability and performance made it popular for long‑distance record attempts and early commercial operations, influencing the development of later de Havilland designs such as the Dragon Rapide. Its legacy endures as a milestone in transitioning light aviation toward more sophisticated, all‑metal monoplanes.
Classification
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 284
- First Flight
- 1929
- Service Entry
- 1930
Design & Classification
- Manufacturer
- de Havilland Aircraft Company
- Nickname
- Puss Moth
- Wikidata ID
- Q286826