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A rare de Havilland Mosquito fighter/bomber, the legendary Royal Air Force aircraft from World War II, will help commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015. The 63rd annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) fly-in convention will be held July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
The aircraft, operated by the Military Aviation Museum of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and flying after a multi-year restoration by AVspecs in New Zealand, is expected to arrive on Monday, July 20 – AirVenture’s opening day – and be on display throughout the week. The aircraft is also expected to fly in various warbird shows during the week and be featured in a Warbirds in Review program on the flightline. It means that two Mosquito aircraft will be in Oshkosh at the same time, as a similar Mosquito is on non-flying display at the EAA AirVenture Museum.
“The Mosquito holds an exclusive place in the roster of legendary World War II aircraft, as it was used for daring missions throughout the European Theater,” said Bill Fischer, executive director of EAA’s Warbirds of America. “Its unique design, strong flying capabilities, and wood construction made it a unique but very effective weapons platform. To have this rare flying example at Oshkosh, along with other historic Commonwealth aircraft, is certainly one of the highlights of this year’s AirVenture gathering of warbirds.”
During the airplane’s stay in Oshkosh, the ownership and restoration teams will also make a number of special experiences and perks available to warbird fans. Proceeds from those experiences will help fund the airplane’s historic trip to Oshkosh, plus continuing operation and maintenance. More information is available at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-bring-mosquito-ka114-to-airventure-2015#/story.
According to Royal Air Force (RAF) history, the Mosquito was very close to never being built. Geoffrey de Havilland’s original proposal for a bomber made of wood (to save valuable metal for armaments and other war needs) received only reluctant approval, so much so that the de Havilland company funded the prototype’s construction from its own resources. After its first flight in November 1940, the airplane’s speed and fighter-like handling quickly made it popular for all types of missions. With the development of high-accuracy bombing aids, the Mosquito became known for its ability to destroy a target with less bomb tonnage than larger Allied bombers.
The Mosquito’s appearance adds to the world’s largest annual gathering of vintage military aircraft at Oshkosh each year. More than 300 warbirds are again expected at EAA AirVenture, with flying demonstrations through the week including special extended shows on July 23-25.
