World War Photos

Mosquito NT585 157 Sqn in flight

History of the NF.30 Mosquito

In March 1944, a new Mosquito variant was developed by combining the airframe of the NF.XIX with the two-stage Merlin engines used in the PR.VIII/IX variants. This design aimed to enhance the aircraft’s performance at higher altitudes, increase fuel capacity, and extend its operational range. The prototype of this variant, designated HK364, first flew in March 1944 and was equipped with AI Mk.X radar.

The resulting aircraft, designated NF.30 in RAF service, was powered by two Merlin 72 engines, each producing 1,680 hp. This power allowed the NF.30 to achieve a maximum speed of 424 mph (680 km/h) at 26,500 feet (8,075 meters), an operational ceiling of 30,000 feet (9,145 meters), and a range of 1,180 miles (1,890 km).

The NF.30 represented a relatively straightforward evolution of the NF.XIX airframe, which facilitated its production. The first NF.30s were delivered to RAF units in England in May 1944, with production continuing from the de Havilland’s Leavesden plant. The NF.30 remained in front-line service until 1949.

Description and Technical Data

• Type: Twin-engined, night-fighter with a crew of two, of mixed wooden monocoque and stressed skin construction.
• Manufacturers: De Havilland Aircraft Company Ltd, Leavesden.
• Power Plant:
  • Two 12-cylinder, two-stage supercharged 1,680-hp R-R Merlin 72, or 1,710-hp Merlin 76 in-line engines.
• Dimensions:
  • Span: 54 ft 2 ins (16.5 meters)
  • Length: 41 ft 4 ins (12.57 meters)
  • Height: 12 ft 6 ins (3.8 meters)
  • Wing Area: 454 sq. ft (42.17 sq. meters)
• Weights:
  • Tare: 15,241 lb (6,915 kg)
  • Operationally loaded: 23,496 lb (10,660 kg) with two 100-gallon (455-liter) wing tanks
• Fuel Capacity:
  • Maximum: 716 gallons (3,255 liters)
  • Operationally loaded: 453 gallons (2,060 liters)
• Performance:
  • Maximum speed: 424 mph (680 km/h) at 26,500 feet (8,080 meters)
  • Maximum cruising speed: 220 mph (410 km/h) at 30,000 feet (9,145 meters)
  • Initial rate-of-climb: 2,250 ft/min (685 meters/min)
  • Service ceiling: 35,000 ft (10,670 meters)
  • Maximum range: 1,300 miles (2,080 km)
• Armament:
  • Four 20 mm Hispano cannons in forward lower fuselage with 200 rounds per gun.
• Radar: AI Mk.X (SCR-720B)

Squadron Allocation

• Night-fighter Squadrons:
  • 264, 410, 456, 488, 500, 502, 504, 605, 609, and 616 Squadrons.
• Bomber Support Squadrons:
  • 239, 307, and 406 Squadrons.
• Night-fighter Training:
  • No. 54 OTU and No. 228 OCU.