Fans of Royal Air Force warbirds will be in for a treat at this year’s EAA AirVenture show when a rare de Havilland Mosquito flies to Oshkosh to take part in multiple warbird shows. The Canadian-built World War II-era fighter and bomber was restored by AVspecs of New Zealand and is now operated by the Military Aviation Museum of Virginia Beach, Virginia. According to backers of KA114, who are raising funds for the journey to AirVenture next month, this is the only Mosquito currently flying. A non-flying version of the aircraft is on permanent display at EAA’s museum.
The Mosquito is scheduled to arrive in Oshkosh on July 20, opening day, and remain there throughout the show. The operators will continue to raise proceeds during AirVenture through their interactive display of the aircraft, which will include commemorations of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the 70th anniversary of the victory in Europe. “The Mosquito holds an exclusive place in the roster of legendary World War II aircraft, as it was used for daring missions throughout the European Theater,” said Bill Fischer, executive director of EAA’s Warbirds of America. “Its unique design, strong flying capabilities, and wood construction made it a unique but very effective weapons platform. To have this rare flying example at Oshkosh, along with other historic Commonwealth aircraft, is certainly one of the highlights of this year’s AirVenture gathering of warbirds.”
