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Serial C1178, RCAF 5875, C-GMFT 1 145 hp deHavilland Gipsy Major I four cylinder (inverted) engine Maximum speed: 109 mph Empty weight: 1,115 lbs. Loaded weight: 1,825 lbs. Span 29' 4" Length: 23' 11" Height 8' 10" Wing area: 239 sq. ft. Restoration of this airplane was accomplished under the first grant ever received from the British Columbia Provincial Government in 1983. The airplane was built up from a small pile of bare frames and parts, employing laid off apprentice aircraft mechanics under the direction of Harry Fordham and Bill McGarrigle. Both of these gentlemen passed on their knowledge to a new generation, and are now deceased. This is the Canadian version and accurate for the type. In 1999 the volunteers of the Canadian Museum of Flight restored the static Tiger Moth to airworthy condition. Today the Tiger Moth can be seen at many events around the Lower Mainland of Vancouver promoting our rich Canadian history. * Note: The Tiger Moth was restored to airworthy condition in 1998 and at that time the RCAF numbers on the side of the aircraft were changed from 5875 (original number) to 4236 in memory of Ted Harris, a museum member / volunteer who sadly passed away before the Tiger Moth once again took to the skies. Tiger Moth 4236 was the first aircraft in which Mr. Harris soloed. General Information Flown for the first time on October 26, 1931, the Tiger Moth was derived from the DH 60 Moth. The DH 82 was powered by a 120 hp Gipsy II engine, but the 1939 DH 82a received the 145 hp Gipsy Major. More than 1,000 Tiger Moths were delivered before WWII, and subsequently 4,005 were built in the U.K. and shipped all over the world. 1,747 were built in Canada (the majority being DH 82c's with enclosed cockpits, brakes, tail wheels, etc.), 1,085 in Australia and 345 in New Zealand It was a basic trainer of the BCATP (British Commonwealth Air Training Plan) during WWII, where by air crews from all over the British Commonwealth trained in Canada; and with the RAF in India, South Africa and elsewhere. In 1940, there were 120 Moths based at Boundary Bay. A number of Tiger Moths have been converted as four-seat cabin biplanes know as the Jackaroo. Photo: Museum archive | |
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