The People’s Mosquito Ltd, a UK aviation restoration charity established to return a de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito FB.VI to UK skies is delighted to announce that they have contracted with Retrotec Ltd, one of the world’s premier aircraft restoration providers, to build and test to final airworthiness acceptance, this versatile World War II aircraft.
The agreement will see Retrotec’s engineers given full access to The People’s Mosquito’s unique collection of more than 22,300 original de Havilland technical drawings to assist their work. The announcement means the British-designed and built aircraft can once again be built in the UK, harnessing Retrotec’s unrivalled restoration expertise, complemented by experienced engineering consultants from New Zealand.
Under the expert guidance of Guy Black, Retrotec has established a reputation for delivering some of the most authentic aircraft restorations in the world over the past 30+ years. The business, which is fully accredited by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, offers services including design, parts manufacture and reconstruction of complete aircraft, all delivered by highly experienced engineers.
The company’s impeccable engineering standards and commitment to excellence have already delivered several iconic restorations to UK skies and the team’s experience in working with wooden airframes is second to none. Retrotec’s recent restoration highlights include a Sopwith Pup, Hawker Fury and two Hawker Nimrods, all currently on display at Imperial war Museum, Duxford, as are the stunning restorations of two 1918 de Havilland DH9 bombers.
Guy said: “I am delighted that Retrotec Ltd. has been chosen to carry out this exciting challenge and I wish TPM the very best of luck in raising the necessary funds to enable this to happen.”
“From the outset, Retrotec was top of our list,” explained John Lilley, Managing Director of The People’s Mosquito. “We share a passion for returning a de Havilland Mosquito to UK skies, but we also want to celebrate and raise awareness of what an outstanding example of British aeronautical design this aircraft was; an aircraft that was built by small enterprises up and down the country. What better way to celebrate that unique heritage than to showcase British engineering at its best today.”