de Havilland DH.27 Derby
de Havilland Aircraft Company · United Kingdom · first flew 1922 · transport aircraft
The de Havilland DH.27 Derby was a large single-engine biplane designed for mail and cargo carrying in the early 1920s. It was part of de Havilland's post-WWI efforts to establish commercial aviation with large single-engine aircraft.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 14.43 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Large single-engine biplane mail and cargo carrier of the early 1920s
- Parasol high-wing biplane designed for heavy freight over short sectors
- Single Rolls-Royce Condor engine driving a large two-blade propeller
A notably large biplane for a single-engine type, with a wide-span upper wing, parasol configuration, and the large Rolls-Royce Condor engine. Longer and heavier than contemporary de Havilland mail biplanes like the DH.34.
Specifications
- The de Havilland DH.27 Derby has a length of 14.43 m (47 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 19.66 m (65 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 169 km/h (105 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2 crew plus mail/cargo.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The DH.27 first flew in 1922 and was designed primarily for freight and mail rather than passenger use, reflecting the era's priorities in early civil aviation. Only one prototype was built, as the market for such large single-engine cargo biplanes was limited. de Havilland's subsequent designs focused more on smaller passenger types.
Variants
Only one prototype was constructed.
Where you'll see it
No significant operational service. Evaluated but not ordered commercially or militarily.
Related aircraft
- de Havilland DH.34
- de Havilland DH.15 Gazelle
- de Havilland DH.50
- de Havilland DH.53 Humming Bird
- Aero A.10
- Besson H-5
- Dornier Do J Wal
- Fokker F.V
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