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de Havilland D.H. 80A Puss Moth

The D.H. 80 and 80A were developed as cabin monoplanes to provide more comfort than was possible in open cockpits with heavy clothing. Popular with the general flying public, Puss Moths were bought by private owners and commercial operators alike. Possessing spectacular fuel economy, several were used for long-distance record attempts. A total of nine Puss Moths were imported into Canada and and a further 25 assembled in Toronto. The RCAF acquired 13 of these for training and transportion duties.

Australian H.J. “Bert” Hinkler purchased a Puss Moth in 1931 and flew solo from Toronto to England via Brazil, Africa, and Europe. Unlike previous Moths, the Puss Moth had its D.H. Gypsy engine inverted, with the cylinders pointing down to increase the pilot’s visibility over the nose and to reduce, it is suspected, the amount of oil blown onto the windscreen. The wings could be folded for storage in a garage, or towing down a road. The undercarriage struts could be rotated 90 degrees, slowing the aircraft and steepening the glide for landing in small areas.

Museum Example

The Museum example was manufactured in England in 1931 and went to the U.S. naval attache in London. Serving with the RAF in Second World War, the Puss Moth flew with various U.K. civil operators before coming to Canada in 1969. It operated in Prince Edward Island until purchased by the Museum in 1976.

Specifications

Wing Span:
11.2 m (36 ft 9 in)
Length:
7.6 m (25 ft)
Height:
2.1 m (6 ft 10 in)
Weight, Empty:
574 kg (1,265 lb)
Weight, Gross:
930 kg (2,050 lb)
Cruising Speed:
174 km/h (108 mph)
Max Speed:
152 km/h (95 mph)
Rate of Climb:
198 m (650 ft) /min
Service Ceiling:
5,180 m (17,000 ft)
Range:
692 km (430 mi)
Power Plant:
one de Havilland D.H. Gipsy Major, 130 hp, inverted in-line, 4-cylinder engine

Additional Photographs

The Canada Aviation Museum’s Image Bank contains additional photographs of this aircraft. Images are provided for non-commercial study or research purposes only and may not be reproduced or published without the prior consent of the Canada Aviation Museum.

Find out more about our Image bank here.