DH 89A Dragon Rapide
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OK, lets take a stride away from the local brand of Avro for a while and go for another British house hold name, de Havilland. This absolute classic is another civilian in silver dope. It was built in 1935 and ran the route of Belfast-Liverpool-Manchester-Hull. Before and during second world war it was used on routes between the Scottish islands and the mainland. In 1947 it was put into storage and never flew again. It has been restored at the MOSI in Manchester 1991-95 and is in a perfect condition. True classic it is and a type you seldom see in a museum. Come on now, Airfix, do you hear me, let us get one of these in 1/48! Although never really has been praised for the pioneering work it did during the 30´s and the work horse it was during the 40´s, it was the Dakota if its day. It was used by many civilian operators but also served in air forces, camouflaged and all. So come on, if there is a Walrus in 1/48 why not give us a Dragon Rapide? Airfix, don´t you dare ignore me!
Thanks for these photos, Stellan. It's an aircraft burned into my psyche from the Scottish island runs. I have to say I love her lines and you can clearly see the De Havilland DNA in her design.
An aircraft so elegant they made a movie named for her...
And put her on a stamp!
If Aifix could do something with her I'd be all over it. Appreciate you sharing these great photos.
Sure there is a lot of DH in her lines. I always thought it looks like everything is DH x 2 with her twin engines, two pair of wings and a whole basket load of struts.
Dragon Rapide, the movie. Don´t speak Spanish but there is something about Franco in the story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWU1WWxAbhc
There’s a beautiful (flying) example at Duxford. I think you can in fact book to take a short passenger flight around the aerodrome.
Nice little trip with the Duxford DHDR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7--rNPzErQQ
Thanks, Stellan. Great little video - with a brief glimpse of a Corsair! What more could you want.
You are absolutely correct, Rob. In fact, as of around three years ago they had TWO flying Dragons. Don't know if they've now only one (which in itself would be amazing). I know they do runs over London, which would be just amazing given those beautiful big windows. As you can probably tell, I'm a big fan.
Think there is another DR seen on the grass in the video above...just next to the Corsairs, Mustangs, Grummans etc. Might be another operated by Duxford, or perhaps a privately owned? As I understand it from this https://www.classic-wings.co.uk/dragon-rapide-flights/ there are two of them used for scenic flights.
Lovely representation (and photos) of a truly unique piece of aviation history, Stellan. Excuse my ignorance here, but what does that little prop appendage on the port wing do...generate electricity or what?
Thank you so much for your nice words, Craig! I´d say it´s the generator prop. Please read this little article on a pre-flight check (including generator prop!) and start procedure for some interesting things to know about this beaut http://www.pilotweb.aero/features/flight-tests/de-havilland-dh89a-dragon-rapide-1-1650075
Great photos, thanks for sharing.
My pleasure, Robert.
Good stuff. Thanks for posting.
Thanks. Hope it can inspire your modelling.