DH-87A

The DH-87A is the initial production model of the de Havilland Hornet Moth, a two-seat light aircraft foundational to private touring and training in the mid-1930s. This variant featured the original tapered-wing design after the prototype’s first flight on May 9, 1934. However, stability concerns led to its rapid replacement by the DH-87B, which introduced rectangular wings. Despite the brief production run of the ‘A’ variant, the Hornet Moth series maintained the manufacturer’s commitment to personal aviation.

DE Havilland, established by Geoffrey de Havilland, built its history on aircraft design dating back to World War I. The company’s heritage is defined by pioneering light touring and training aircraft, notably starting with the DH. 60 Moth in 1925. Throughout the 1930s, DE Havilland created a highly successful series of these aircraft, including the DH-87A. The manufacturer continued its legacy through subsequent decades with aircraft like the Vampire and Comet, shaping the landscape of global aviation.