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De Havilland facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

De Havilland was a well-known British company. It built many different kinds of aircraft (planes and other flying machines). Geoffrey de Havilland started the company in 1920. Its main base was in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England. De Havilland made history by creating the world's first jet-powered passenger plane.

What Was De Havilland?

De Havilland was a leading aircraft maker for many years. They designed and built planes for both military and civilian use. The company was known for its new ideas and advanced designs. They helped shape the future of flight.

Early Days and Famous Biplanes

In its early years, De Havilland focused on biplanes. These are planes with two main wings, one above the other. They made many successful designs. These planes were used for training, racing, and even carrying mail.

  • The de Havilland Moth series was very popular. These small planes helped many people learn to fly. They were also used for record-breaking flights.
  • The de Havilland Dragon Rapide was another famous biplane. It was a small passenger plane. It flew many routes in the 1930s and 1940s. It was known for being reliable.

World War II Heroes

During World War II, De Havilland played a big part. They built one of the most famous planes of the war.

  • The de Havilland Mosquito was a fast, wooden aircraft. It was called the "Wooden Wonder." It could be used as a bomber, a fighter, or for reconnaissance (spying). Its speed and versatility made it very effective.
Building Mosquito Aircraft at the De Havilland Factory in Hatfield, 1943 TR1426
Building Mosquito aircraft at the de Havilland factory in Hatfield, 1943

The Jet Age Pioneer

De Havilland made a huge leap forward after the war. They created the world's first jet airliner.

  • The de Havilland Comet first flew in 1949. It was a groundbreaking plane. It could fly faster and higher than propeller planes. This changed air travel forever.
  • The Comet showed the world what jet travel could be. It made flying much quicker and more comfortable. It was a symbol of the new "jet age."
Dh Comet
The first de Havilland DH106 Comet prototype at Hatfield in 1949, a symbol of the new technological age.

Other Iconic Aircraft

De Havilland built many other important aircraft. These planes were used all over the world.

  • The de Havilland Dove was a successful small airliner. It was used by many airlines for short flights.
  • The de Havilland Vampire was an early jet fighter. It was used by many air forces.
  • The de Havilland Sea Vixen was a powerful naval fighter. It was used on aircraft carriers.
  • Later, De Havilland Canada (a part of the company) made famous bush planes. These include the de Havilland Beaver and the de Havilland Otter. They were perfect for flying in tough, remote areas.
  • The de Havilland Dash 8 is a modern turboprop aircraft. It is still widely used today for regional flights.

Legacy and End of an Era

Over the years, De Havilland became part of larger aviation groups. Its designs and innovations continued to influence aircraft development. The company's name is still remembered for its pioneering spirit. It helped make air travel what it is today.

Images for kids

  • De Havilland biplane RAE-O141

    The de Havilland Biplane No. 2 or F.E.1 in flight, circa 1911

  • De Havilland Airco DH9 REJS

    A de Havilland Airco DH9 on display at the Imperial War Museum Duxford in 2008

  • Dh.foxmoth.750pix

    A de Havilland DH 83 Fox Moth at Kemble Airport in 2003

  • Hornet moth dh87b g-admt arp

    1936 de Havilland DH87B Hornet Moth taking off at Kemble Air Day, Wiltshire, in 2008

  • DH.89A Dragon Rapide G-AJHO Roth.Army Neth 20.04.68 edited-2

    A DH.89 Dragon Rapide of the Army Parachute Association at RAF Netheravon in 1968

  • De Havilland Hercules-a

    De Havilland Hercules-66 Imperial Airways

  • Moth Minor A21-42 Benalla 2012-06-03

    ex RAAF DH.94 Moth Minor at Benalla Aviation Museum in June 2012

  • De Havilland Mosquito B.35

    de Havilland Mosquito B 35 (reconfigured to a FB Mk.VI, on display at the Alberta Aviation Museum)

  • Dh.dove.750pix

    A de Havilland DH.104 Dove at Kemble in 2003

  • G-AWZW Hawker Siddeley HS121 Trident 3B British Airways MAN 24OCT75

    The de Havilland-designed HS.121 Trident 3 of British Airways at Manchester Airport in 1975

  • Dehav.sea.vixen.folded.arp

    de Havilland Sea Vixen (G-CVIX) at an air show at Kemble in 2005

  • Blue Streak

    A Blue Streak missile at the Deutsches Museum at Oberschleissheim, Munich

  • C-FGYN Adlair Aviation de Havilland Beaver (DHC2) 01

    C-FGYN Adlair Aviation Ltd. de Havilland Beaver (DHC2) Mk I on floats

  • Dehav.dash8.750pix

    Bombardier (de Havilland Canada) Dash 8 of Flybe

  • DHA.3 Drover 3B VH-EOO Bankstown 04.10.70-1-

    de Havilland Australia DHA.3 Drover 3B at Sydney (Bankstown) in 1970, where it was originally built

  • Interior of De Havilland aircraft factory, Rongotai, Wellington, 1939 or 1940

    The interior of de Havilland New Zealand's aircraft factory at Rongotai, Wellington, in 1939 or 1940

  • Geoffrey de Havilland statue Hatfield

    Statue of de Havilland, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: De Havilland Aircraft Company para niños

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