World War II Database

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseThe spruce-and-balsa wooden Mosquito multi-role aircraft were designed as fast light bombers that could outrun pursuing hostile fighters; because of their light weight and high speed, they were also used as fighters when necessary. Although the original design was released in 1938, it was not until 1940 when the British Air Ministry took notice of the wooden aircraft. When the German airmen faced these aircraft, they were amazed by their speed and their ability to protect the airspace over Britain. "In 1940 I could at least fly as far as Glasgow in most of my aircraft, but not now!", said Hermann Göring, commander of the Luftwaffe, in Jan 1943. "It makes me furious when I see the Mosquito. I turn green and yellow with envy." What made Göring and the rest of Germany most envious was de Havilland's ability to construct a capable aircraft out of material as common as wood at a time when iron and steel was in great demand. The most numerous variant was the Mk.IX that served as a high altitude bomber, encouraged by the result of a Royal Air Force cost-benefit analysis: throughout the entire war, the Mosquito bombers enjoyed the lowest loss rate, while it dealt far greater damage to the Germans when compared to the larger and more expensive Lancaster bombers. During its service, 7,781 Mosquitos were built, with 6,710 of them during the war. A significant fraction of that number came from Commonwealth nations such as Canada and Australia. During the war, Mosquito bombers were responsible for dropping 35,000 tons of bombs at a loss of only 193 aircraft.

Mosquito Timeline

SPECIFICATIONS

Mk.II

Machinery	Two Rolls-Royce Merlin 21 engines rated at 1,230hp each
Armament	4x20mm Hispano cannons, 4x0.303in Brownings
Crew	2
Span	16.52 m
Length	13.57 m
Height	4.66 m
Weight, Empty	6,396 kg
Weight, Loaded	7,938 kg
Speed, Maximum	595 km/h
Service Ceiling	10,520 m
Range, Normal	2,990 km

Mk.IV

Machinery	Two Rolls-Royce Merlin 21 engines rated at 1,230hp each
Armament	4x20mm Hispano cannons, 4x0.303in Brownings, 4x227kg bombs
Crew	2
Span	16.52 m
Length	13.57 m
Height	4.66 m
Weight, Empty	6,396 kg
Weight, Loaded	10,206 kg
Speed, Maximum	595 km/h
Service Ceiling	10,520 m
Range, Normal	2,990 km

Mk.IX

Machinery	Two Rolls-Royce Merlin 72 engines rated at 1,680hp each
Armament	4x20mm Hispano cannons, 4x0.303in Brownings, 4,000lb of bombs or extra fuel
Crew	2
Span	16.52 m
Length	13.57 m
Height	4.66 m
Weight, Empty	6,895 kg
Weight, Loaded	11,340 kg
Speed, Maximum	684 km/h
Service Ceiling	12,190 m
Range, Normal	2,990 km

Photographs

Visitor Submitted Comments

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1.  Bill says:
22 Aug 2010 11:46:59 AM

The Mosquito Mk XVIII carried a 57mm cannon and four 303 caliber machine guns. The cannon was 1,800lbs/815kgs in weight, and each round for the cannon was 7lbs/3.2kgs in weight. Twenty five rounds for the cannon was carried and with an automatic-loader, could fire all twenty five rounds in twenty seconds! Twenty seven aircraft were fitted with this weapon, However it was found out that two 500lb bombs, or eight 60lb rockets were found to be better suited.