de Havilland Aircraft Company
DH.83 Fox Moth
The de Havilland DH.83 Fox Moth was introduced in 1932 as a small, low‑cost transport derived from the successful Moth series. Built by the de Havilland Aircraft Company in Hatfield, England, the Fox Moth combined a wooden fuselage with a fabric‑covered wing and was powered by a 130‑hp de Havilland Gipsy III inverted‑inline engine. Its compact, high‑wing layout seated the pilot in an open cockpit while up to three passengers rode in an enclosed cabin behind, making it ideal for regional airlines, charter services and remote‑area operations. Over 400 examples were produced before World War II, and the type saw service with airlines such as Australian National Airways, Kenya Airways and the Royal Air Force, where it performed liaison, communications and light transport duties. The aircraft’s simplicity, low operating costs and ability to operate from short, unprepared strips gave it a reputation for reliability in rugged environments. After the war, surplus Fox Moths were exported to South America and Africa, influencing the design of later utility aircraft. The DH.83 remains a celebrated example of interwar ingenuity, illustrating how de Havilland turned a modest trainer into a versatile workhorse that helped connect isolated communities worldwide.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1932