Gallery No 14 - DH 103 De Havilland Hornet

High-performance twin-engined fighter, based on Mosquito experience. The Hornet was a single-seater, and smaller than the Mosquito. The contruction incorporated metal underwing surfaces, and it had handed engines to elminate torque. Hornets remained in service until 1955 because the Hornet had a better range than jet fighters. 60 RAF aircraft ordered (F.1), 77 RN Sea Hornet F.Mk 20s and 78 NF.Mk 21. None saw action in WW2.

General characteristics Hornet F Mk.3
Primary function Long range fighter/bomber
Power plant Two Rolls-Royce Merlin 130/131 inline piston engines
Thrust 2,070 HP 1,544 kW
Wingspan 45 ft 13.72 m
Length 36.7 ft 11.18 m
Height 14.2 ft 4.32 m
Wingarea 361 sq ft 33.54 sq m
Weight empty 12,880 lb 5,842 kg
max. 20,900 lb 9,480 kg
Speed 472 mph 759 km/h
Ceiling 35,000 ft 10,670 m
Range 2,503 mi 4,028 km
Armament 4x 20 mm cannon, 907 kg bomb
Crew One
First flight 28.7.1944
Date deployed 1944
Number built 215

33 Squadron

45 Squadron