Aviation72 AV7221002

Aviation72 AV7221002 is a 1/72 scale diecast model of the DH 82A Tiger Moth serial number K4288/D of the No.18 Elementary and Reserve Flying Training School (No.18 ERFTS), Fairoaks, Surrey, England, 1937.

No.18 ERFTS

The Elementary and Reserve Flying Training Schools (ERFTS) were civilian-based organisations under contract with the Air Ministry. Operated by Universal Flying Services, No.18 ERFTS was formed in October 1937, disbanded in September 1939, and replaced by No. 18 Elementary Flying Training School.

De Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth

The DH 82 Tiger Moth was a British single-engine, two-seat biplane designed as a primary trainer. It first flew in October 1931 and entered service with the RAF Central Flying School in February 1932. During World War II, the Tiger Moth became the leading primary trainer for the British Commonwealth.

This aircraft was based on the D.H.60 Moth and featured a top wing that was moved forward and swept back to improve the front pilot’s emergency escape. The airframe was constructed from welded metal tubing, wood, and fabric.

Production of the Tiger Moth continued until 1944, resulting in 8,868 airframes built across the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Portugal, and Norway. De Havilland Aircraft of Canada manufactured a winterised version, the DH 82C, which included sliding perspex canopies and cockpit heating.

The RAF officially withdrew the Tiger Moth from service in 1952, followed by the Royal Navy in the early 1970s.

During the postwar period, the Tiger Moth gained popularity among private owners, many of whom converted the aircraft for use in agriculture.

The first model, the DH 82, used a Gipsy II engine; the DH 82A used the Gipsy Major. The DH.82A is powered by a single de Havilland 145 hp Gipsy Major or Gipsy IIIA, an inverted, four-cylinder, air-cooled, inline engine that drives a two-bladed propeller.

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