Widely known as the "Wooden Wonder" among a large group of other positive descriptions, the DeHaviland Mosquito was not only one of the most unique aircraft, but one of the single most effective of the war.
How many people knew that beyond the widely known plywood skin, that the skin was, in fact, a sandwiched layer? In between two layers of plywood was a core of concrete! It was a very thin layer, but it added significant strength without a sizeable weight penalty. It was so innovative that is provided a new concept about combat aircraft -- it ushered in the concept of what became the deep-penetration attack aircraft, featuring a large bomb load, small crew, and lots of speed and maneuverability.
The Luftwaffe had an open requirement for all German aircraft manufacturers to duplicate the aircraft, and a serious attempt was made, but the prototype (like a lot of German aircraft) was destroyed in a bombing attack. Chances are slim that it would have even matched the Mossie's performance. For most of the war, the Mossie was faster at low altitudes than any German fighter that would have tried to attack it. To put a bomber in war at the time without any defensive armament was considered a very radical idea. But, the reduced size and weight was a prime reason for the speed. Two Merlin engines gave the Mossie an unrivaled power to weight ratio. The structure proved strong and easy to field repair.
Mossies were used in many roles. Strategic bombing, pathfinder target marking missions (which were the lynchpin to the entire RAF night bombing campaign), sea and ground attack, and even aerial interdiction missions where when armed with forward firing cannon, was a lethal interceptor against German bombers. Without bombs, and with a light fuel load, a Mossie could even prove a formidable opponent to a Luftwaffe fighter, especially if the Mossie pilot could attack from behind and above!
The direct legacy of the Mossie is present today in the form of Tornado and F-15E aircraft. It could be accurately said that the Mossie was the world's first multi-role fighter/bomber. Without question, it was the first in this role that truly excelled at it!
Ken
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