March 29, 2024
Tigermoths were one of the first 'warbirds' to find their way overseas
Click to Enlarge More Tigers! A stack of six Tigermoths from the Cache exported from Chennai. VT-DOZ was formerly HU-504 of the Indian Air Force. Photo Courtesy : Simon Watson

One of this batch of Tigermoths which made its way to Germany as Miss Sophie. This aircraft was procured from UK and is operated as D-ETHC. The aircraft has the colors RAF Training scheme with serial N-6740. The aircraft started service with this serial during WW2 with the RAF before moving to the civlian register as G-AISY. The aircraft then came to the Indian Civilian registry in July 1948 as VT-CZV before it was acquired by the Indian Air Force. Its IAF Identity is not known.

Two other airframes were registered on the UK Registry. VT-DOW became G-BINH and VT-DPE became G-BUJY. G-BINH flew for a short while in the 80s before encountering an accident. The remaining airframes were sold to a South African consortium. The aircraft were shipped to South Africa in January 2000 and are still believed to be there.

Aircraft Type Serial No Other Id Current Location
DH-82 Tigermoth HU-187 Later VT-DPC in South Africa
DH-82 Tigermoth HU-483 Later VT-DOU in South Africa
DH-82 Tigermoth HU-488 Later VT-DOW G-BINH – Under restoration in UK
DH-82 Tigermoth HU-492 Later VT-DOX in South Africa
DH-82 Tigermoth HU-498 Later VT-DOY in South Africa
DH-82 Tigermoth HU-504 Later VT-DOZ in South Africa
DH-82 Tigermoth HU-511 Later VT-DPA in South Africa
DH-82 Tigermoth HU-708 Later VT-DPB in South Africa
DH-82 Tigermoth HU-858 Later VT-DPE G-BUJY – Under restoration in UK
DH-82 Tigermoth HU-887 Later VT-DPH in South Africa
DH-82 Tigermoth Later VT-CZV Currently D-ETHC in Germany “Miss Sophie”

Sources:
1. Flypast Magazine July 2000 issue, Key Publishing.
2. Miss-Sophie.org

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