1/48 De Havilland Mosquito FB Mk.VI/NF Mk.II

About the De Havilland Mosquito FB Mk.VI/NF Mk.II

The de Havilland "Mosquito" was constructed out of wood and based on "high-speed bomber shaking off fighter". The design of the Mosquito was started in 1939. Two Rolls Merlin engines were selected as the source of power and the wood was used as the material of this fuselage. The parts with the metal were only the parts of the periphery of the engine and the landing gear. At first the Air Ministry was doubtfull due to the wooden construction and it had no machine guns.

However the Mosquito made a maiden flight with a maximum speed of 630km when the "Spitfire" had the maximum speed of 580km at that time. Therefore a lot of "Mosquito" were suddenly requested. Many types of the Mosquito were produced, Night-Fighter Mk. II armed with 7.7mm machine guns on its nose and A.I.Mk.IV radar made an appearance. This Mosquito brought its ability into full play in attacking an airfield and intercepting raiding bombers. Also Fighting-Bomber Mk.VI armed with four of 225kg bombs and eight of rocket bombs was arranged as the actual fighting in Mar. 1943. This type played havoc with enemy land forces, the battleships and U-boats.

Furthermore it was active in attacking the railroad and bridges in Burma, dealing a blow to the Japanese army. The Mosquito's wooden structure was surprizingly robust against shrapnel and was therefore popular with pilots.