de Havilland DH.71 Tiger Moth (replica)

Designed for engine development and racing, the DH.71 Tiger Moth was a single seat monoplane with a slender fuselage that was tailored around test pilot, Hubert Broad. Only two were built, the first being G-EBQU was initially powered by an ADC Cirrus II engine but was later replaced by an experimental Gipsy engine. The aircraft was entered into the 1927 Kings Cup but had to withdraw prior to the race. Once fitted with a modified Gipsy engine, Broad set a new Class III Light Aircraft speed record of 186.47 mph followed by an altitude record of 19,191 ft. In 1930, it was sold privately to Australia and sadly was destroyed due to engine failure whilst practicing for an air race.

The second aircraft G-EBRV was also powered by an ADC Cirrus II and came off the production line four days after G-EBQU. It was also entered into the 1927 Kings Cup but had to withdraw during the race due to poor handling. The aircraft remained at de Havilland’s headquarters in Hatfield until it was sadly destroyed during an air raid in 1940.

About this aircraft

This aircraft is a replica and is fitted with a Gipsy I engine with the majority of the work completed by Ron Souch. The project was halted for a number of years until Steve Jones came across the aircraft and purchased it in 2016. Following the purchase, the aircraft made significant progress and finally flew in November 2024 with the aircraft moving to Old Warden in March 2025.

Specification