de Havilland DH.82 "Tiger Moth"

The de Havilland DH.82 "Tiger Moth" is a single-engine biplane light aircraft developed principally to be used by private touring customers as well as for pilot instruction for both military and civil operators. Designed in 1931 as a development of the well-known “Gypsy Moth,” the Tiger Moth became one of the world’s most famous training aircraft. At the start of WWII, the Royal Air Force had over 500 of the simple, easy-to-maintain aircraft and used them as their primary trainer during WWII. The Tiger Moth soon became the go-to trainer for 25 air forces of various nations.

In order to provide realistic gunnery practice, pilots “gunned” down a pilotless version of the Tiger Moth, the “Queen Bee.” With the Queen Bee aircraft usually destroyed before registration, final production numbers of this pilotless shell are unknown.

Built in 1940, the de Havilland DH.82 “Tiger Moth” is on display in the Museum’s Main Gallery. It is a favorite of children with its nose art of a colorful tiger with wings. This aircraft is flyable and is graciously on loan to the Museum from Dr. Andres Katz of Dallas, Texas.