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De Havilland DH.9 Single engine twin seat observation aircraft and light pomber
Immediately
after the First World War, De Havilland supplied at least 20 DH.9’s to the
Aviation Militaire Belge. In the period 1922-23 Sabca produced another 30
aircraft for the military. Precise details on the exact number of aircraft
supplied to Belgium or constructed under license by Sabca is still subject
of discussions but registrations up to D-101 have been noted on available
photographic material. Many sources talk about 103 DH.9’s used by the
Belgian military. De Havilland DH.9’s were used by the N° 1
(Mephisto),
N° 4 (Zebra), N° 5 (Swallow), N° 6 (Bee in 1924) and N° 7 (Mephisto after
1926) Observation Squadrons - N°s 9 and 11 Bomber Squadrons and the Flying
School of Wevelgem (Penguin). Most De Havilland DH.9 aircraft were
withdrawn from service by the early thirties. On June 2nd, 1928 DH.9 D-32
flown by Adjudant Crooy and Sergeant Groenen made the history books by
achieving a duration record of 60hrs 1 min 30 secs. This was achieved by
in-flight refueling from another DH.9 serving as aerial tanker. |
Last updated 16/04/12 07:09 Daniel Brackx