The D.H.82 Tiger Moth was designed in 1930 as a two-seat biplane of mixed construction. The machine fully met the requirements of the British Air Ministry. The maiden flight took place on 28 October 1931, and the first production examples were being delivered to RAF training centres as early as 1932. That same year, instructors from the Central Flying School (CFS) demonstrated the capabilities of D.H.82 aircraft in inverted flight during an air show over Hendon airfield. Thanks to their excellent flying qualities, they were approved for full aerobatics, instrument flying training, and landing on unprepared terrain, which is of considerable importance for a training aircraft.
By moving the upper wing forward and introducing cockpit doors, exiting the front seat was also made easier. The D.H.82, belonging to the large “Moth” family with the de Havilland characteristic vertical stabiliser shape, was one of the most popular training aircraft in the world.
D.H. 82A “Tiger Moth” aircraft were standard equipment at Polish flight schools in Great Britain between 1940 and 1946. In other countries,
including Canada, Australia, Norway, Sweden and Portugal, “Tiger Moths” were operated until the 1950s. Thanks to their popularity and excellent handling qualities, many of these machines still fly to this day.
The specimen on display bears the livery used in June 1941 at No. 25 (Polish) Elementary Flying Training School at Hucknall
in Great Britain.
| Wingspan | 8.9 m |
| Length | 7.3 m |
| Takeoff weight | 742 kg |
| Maximum speed | 182 km/h |
| Ceiling | 4200 m |
| Range | 485 km |
| Armament | – |
| Engine | 4-cylinder, inline, inverted, air-cooled, DH Gipsy Major with 130 hp (96 kW) output |
