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Aviation History
1943
1943 - 1506.PDF
FLIGHT Fifty-second of the Latest Recognition Series Aircraft Types and D.H. MOTH MINOR MANY different types and makes of aircraft originallydesigned for completely peaceful purposes havebeen found useful jobs to do during the present war. Patently almost any light aircraft intended for the use of flying clubs and owner-pilots is eminently suitable for duty as an elementary trainer, or light communication and liaison work, and a particularly attractive example in this category is the de Havilland Moth Minor. A result of collaboration between Capt. Geoffrey de Havilland and Major Frank Halford, the Moth Minor made its public appearance in 1939 after some two years' develop- ment work and, like its rather bigger relatives in the Moth family, it proved a thoroughly practical and likeable little machine, with good flying manners. When war broke out, production on the Moth Minor ceased in this country, but it was continued in the de Havilland factory at Sydney, Australia, which at once began supplying it to the R.A.A.F. as an elementary trainer. Indeed, the simplicity of construction, easy main- tenance and low operating cost which characterise the Moth Minor were found to be valuable attributes at a time when rapid expansion in training was called for. Actually there were two versions evolved, the open tandem two-3eater which became the Australian trainer, and one with covered cockpits. Probably the mast interesting thing about the Moth Minor is its 90 h.p. inverted four-cylinder air-cooled in-line Gipsy Minor engine, because this was specially designed for it by Major Halford; it is, in effect, a smaller version of the more famous 130 h.p. Gipsy Major engine of the celebrated Tiger Moth trainer. Wings and fuselage are of spruce with plywood covering, but the tail unit is fabric covered, the tailplane being strut- braced to the lower longerons. Incidentally, the wings fold backwards for easy stowage, and a perforated flap, which acts purely as an air-brake, is fitted beneath the centre section. Wheel brakes are also fitted. Top speed is 118 m.p.h., and cruising speed a level 100 m.p.h. at 2,250 r.p.m., using 60 h.p. Service ceiling is 16,600ft. and cruising range 300 miles. ' » FLAT THICK CENTRE SECTION Span Length .. Height .. Wing area 36ft. Tm. 24ft. 5in. 6ft. 4in. 162 sq. ft.
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