DH.87 Hornet Moth

The de Havilland DH.87 Hornet Moth was a light, two‑seat biplane introduced in 1935 as an evolution of the successful DH.60 Moth series. Designed by de Havilland Aircraft Company to meet the growing demand for touring and training aircraft, the Hornet Moth featured a larger 12‑ft 6‑in wingspan, a more powerful 130 hp de Havilland Gipsy Major engine and an enclosed cabin for pilot and passenger. Its wooden frame, fabric covering and synchronized ailerons gave it agile handling while remaining inexpensive to operate. Production began at Hatfield and continued until 1939, with a total of 328 aircraft built, including a small batch of military‑specification models used by the Royal Air Force for liaison and communications duties. The Hornet Moth’s reliability and forgiving flight characteristics made it popular with flying clubs and private owners throughout Britain and the Commonwealth. It also served as a stepping‑stone for many pilots who later flew the more advanced de Havilland Tiger Moth and later wartime types. By demonstrating that a modestly powered biplane could safely carry two occupants over long distances, the DH.87 helped solidify de Havilland’s reputation as a pioneering light‑aircraft manufacturer.