Caruana, Richard J./Hall, Alan W. (Hrsg.) De Havilland Mosquito

Born during the dark days of World War 2, the Mosquito was the result of revolutionary thinking that started way back in 1936. Although originally designed and built as a bomber, it was eventually adapted to any role imaginable where speed was of an essence. In fact its only defence was its capability of outpacing enemy interceptors. A four-cannon and four-gun fighter version was so successful that it was developed into a fighter-bomber that could even carry rockets. It also featured as an unarmed photo-reconnaissance version, as a transport, trainer and target tug. No less than 7781 Mosquitos were built in Britain, Canada and Australia covering over 40 versions with the last example leaving De Havillands facility at Chester in November 1950.

In fact, the "Mosquito's" only defence against enemy interceptors was to evade them with its enormous speed. A version with four cannons and four machine guns was so successful that it was developed into a fighter-bomber that could even carry missiles. The "Mosquito" was also used as an unarmed photo reconnaissance version, as a transporter, trainer and target tug. No fewer than 7781 aircraft of this type were built in Great Britain, Canada and Australia in over 40 versions. The last example left De Havilland's factory in Chester in November 1950.