World War Photos

Almost burned off Mosquito NF XVII VY-O of 85 Squadron 25 March 1944

History of the NF.XVII

The development of the NF.XVII Mosquito night-fighter was driven by the introduction of the American SCR-720B radar, designated AI Mk.X in British service, in the autumn of 1943. This radar system required a new variant of the Mosquito to accommodate its equipment, leading to the creation of the NF.XVII.

The NF.XVII was based on the existing NF.II airframe but featured several key upgrades, including more powerful 1,635-hp Merlin 25 engines and a distinctive “bullnose” radome to house the AI Mk.X’s helical scanner. The first NF.XVII, a converted NF.XII designated HK195, took to the skies in March 1943. This was followed by the production of ninety-eight additional NF.XVIIs, built in three batches by the Leavesden factory.

Due to its relatively small production run, the NF.XVII saw limited service, being operated by only six night-fighter squadrons starting in November 1943. By March 1945, the NF.XVII had been phased out of Fighter Command’s operational inventory, with some aircraft transferred to night-fighter training units.

Technical Data

• Type: Twin-engined, night-fighter with a crew of two, of mixed wooden monocoque and stressed skin construction.
• Manufacturer: De Havilland Aircraft Company Ltd, Hatfield and Leavesden.
• Power Plant: Two 12-cylinder, supercharged Rolls-Royce Merlin 25 engines rated at 1,635 hp.
• Dimensions:
  • Wingspan: 54 ft 2 ins (16.5 meters)
  • Length: 40 ft 6 ins (12.34 meters)
  • Height: 12 ft 6 ins (3.8 meters)
  • Wing Area: 454 sq. ft (42.17 sq. meters)

Weights

• Tare Weight: 13,224 lb (6,000 kg)
• All-up Weight: 19,200 lb (8,710 kg)

Fuel Capacity

• Maximum: 547 gallons (2,485 liters)
• Operationally Loaded: 403 gallons (1,830 liters)

Performance

• Maximum Speed: 370 mph (630 km/h) at 13,000 ft (3,960 meters)
• Cruising Speed: 255 mph (410 km/h) at 20,000 ft
• Initial Rate of Climb: 3,000 ft/min (915 meters/min)
• Service Ceiling: 30,000 ft (9,145 meters)
• Maximum Range: 1,705 miles (2,730 km)

Armament

• Guns: Four 20-mm Hispano cannons in the forward lower fuselage with 200 rounds per gun.

Radar

• Radar System: AI Mk.X (SCR-720B)

Unit Allocation (NF.XVII)

• UK Night-fighter Squadrons: 25, 68, 85, 125, 219, and 456 Squadrons.
• Bomber Support: No. 85 Squadron.
• Night-fighter Training: No. 54 Operational Training Unit (OTU).