de Havilland Devon
de Havilland · United Kingdom · first flew 1945 · transport aircraft
The de Havilland Devon was the RAF designation for the DH.104 Dove, a twin-piston communications and light transport aircraft that served for over two decades in the communications and VIP transport role. It was one of the first British postwar transports to feature a tricycle undercarriage.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Low-wing twin-piston executive transport with oval fuselage cross-section |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Low-wing twin-piston executive transport with oval fuselage cross-section
- Large rounded cabin windows in two rows
- Tricycle undercarriage with distinctive long nose leg
Identified by the rounded, egg-shaped fuselage cross-section with prominent rows of oval windows, low-mounted straight wing, and neatly cowled de Havilland Gipsy Queen or Alvis Leonides engines; the tricycle undercarriage distinguishes it from the tailwheel Dominie/Rapide.
Specifications
- The de Havilland Devon has a length of 11.96 m (39 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 17.37 m (57 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 338 km/h (210 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Dove first flew in September 1945 and the Devon entered RAF service in 1948, replacing the Anson in many communications roles. It served with the Queen's Flight and numerous RAF communications squadrons; the last examples were not retired from RAF service until the 1960s. Over 500 Doves were built for civil and military operators worldwide.
Variants
The Devon C.1 and C.2 were the principal RAF variants; the Royal Navy operated the Sea Devon C.20. Civil Dove variants existed in Series 1 through 8 with progressive engine and systems improvements.
Where you'll see it
Several Devons and civil Doves remain airworthy in the United Kingdom and internationally; examples are held at the Midland Air Museum and by private operators, and the type occasionally appears at UK airshows.
Related aircraft
- de Havilland Devon C.2
- de Havilland Mosquito NF Mk 30
- de Havilland Mosquito PR Mk XVI
- de Havilland Mosquito FB.VI
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- Bristol Freighter
- Canadian Car and Foundry CBY-3 Loadmaster
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