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Catch an extraordinary glimpse of history on August 9-10, when one of the world’s two airworthy de Havilland Mosquitos will perform at the Abbotsford International Airshow!
This rare piece of aviation history was expertly restored in British Columbia at Victoria Air Maintenance Ltd. Work began in 2009 after its purchase by collector Bob Jens in 2005. This Mosquito saw its first taste of flight in 48 years only a few weeks ago on June 16, 2014, becoming just the second flying Mosquito in the world.
Born in the secrecy of Salisbury Hall, the Mosquito – or the “Wooden Wonder,” as it was affectionately known, almost never came to be. Ministry opposition to de Havilland’s original proposal for an unarmed, all-wooden bomber nearly forced the company to scrap the design. It might be because it was made mostly of “non-strategic” molded plywood that it was reinstated. It would become the poster child example of an aircraft excelling at jobs it was never designed to do. First intended to be a bomber, the “Mossie” became a fierce fighter and was likely one of the most versatile of the twin-engined types built between 1930 and 1945. Taking multi-role to whole new levels, the Mosquito was used as a low-level and high-attack day and night bomber, long range photo-reconnaissance aircraft, mine layer, pathfinder, high-speed military transport and, perhaps most famously, as a long-range day and night fighter, and fighterbomber.
The Abbotsford International Airshow is honoured to host this iconic piece of aviation history and organizers extend heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved in this incredible restoration. The restored aircraft will fly and remain on static display on Saturday, Aug. 9 and Sunday, Aug. 10. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet a significant piece of Canadian history! Get your tickets today at www.abbotsfordairshow.com.
For a pre-airshow sneak peek at the Mosquito, check out this video clip from Pan Productions: http://www.panproductions.com/mosquito-in-post/
