In Australian Service- DH Dragon

DeHavilland Dragon

Part Ten in a Series Examining the Airliners That Established Civil Aviation in Australia

Of the band of surplus aircraft from World War II to make their mark on post-war aviation in Australia, the Dragon was perhaps the most ancient-looking. In addition, with its biplane configuration coupled with associated wires and fabric covering, it seemed to some, the flimsiest of the post-war brigade thrust into airline service. However, its looks belied its performance. The Dragon was a most efficient aircraft that rendered useful, faithful service for many years.

Hillman Airways, a British operator, had enjoyed considerable success with their fleet of DH-83 Fax Moths. Looking further afield, Hillmans were considering the possibility of flying to Paris but with a larger aircraft. Their principal, Edward Hillman, approached De Havilland to investigate the development of a twin-engined version of the DH-83 for the Paris route. From this approach, the DH-84 Dragon was born.

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