de Havilland DH103 Hornet

de Havilland DH103 Hornet and Sea Hornet

Based on the success of the Mosquito, design of the DH.103 single-seat twin-engine fighter was undertaken at Hatfield as a private venture during 1942 and prototypes were ordered in June 1943 Intended for very long range operation in the South Pacific area, the DH.103 was powered by two 2,030 hp Merlin 130/131 (handed) engines and armed with four 20-mm can-non. First of two prototypes (unarmed) flown July 28, 1944 (initially with two Merlin 130s); second prototype carried armament and 200-Imp gal (910-1) under wing drop tanks. Initial production flight February 1, 1945, but quantity deliveries (to equip No 64 Squadron initially) too late for combat use.

"In my book the Sea Hornet ranks second to none for harmony of control, performance characteristics and, perhaps most important, in inspiring confidence in its pilot. For sheer exhilarating flying enjoyment, no aircraft has ever made a deeper impression on me than did this outstanding filly from the de Havilland stable.” Cpt. Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown.

De Havilland Sea Hornet: Two Hornets are converted during 1944-45 as carrier-based long-range fighter proto-types. First flown April 19, 1945. Third prototype, flown post-war, followed by production Sea Hornet F Mk 20sandNFMk21s.

Sea Hornet in action video

The Hornet was considered the fastest operational twin propeller-driven aircraft ever flown by any of the world's air arms and the fastest wooden aircraft ever built.

KIT: Fiberglass and wood kit for two 30/35cc IC engines or electric power.

1/5.4 scale Wingspan 100 in (254cm) Wing Area 1675 in²/dm² Length: 78.8 in (200 cm)