de Havilland DH.90 Dragonfly

de Havilland Aircraft Company · United Kingdom · first flew 1935 · light aircraft

The de Havilland DH.90 Dragonfly was a five-seat twin-engine biplane produced in the mid-1930s as a smaller, more economical alternative to the DH.89 Dragon Rapide.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• Twin-engine de Havilland biplane with enclosed cabin
• Streamlined design with prominent engine nacelles
• Five-seat executive and touring biplane

Distinguished from the larger Dragon Rapide by its smaller size and more enclosed, streamlined fuselage; the twin-engine biplane configuration with a smooth wooden structure is characteristic.

Specifications

• The de Havilland DH.90 Dragonfly has a length of 9.65 m (32 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 13.11 m (43 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 232 km/h (144 mph).
• Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The Dragonfly first flew in 1935 and 67 were built. It was used for private and executive travel by wealthy owners and small operators worldwide. The type was used by the RAF and other services for communications duties during World War II, with some aircraft impressed from private owners.

Variants

No major production variants; minor differences existed between individual aircraft.

Where you'll see it

The DH.90 served with private owners and operators in Britain and worldwide; wartime RAF use included communications and light transport duties.

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