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The PR Mk 34 was the final photo reconnaissance version of the Mosquito. It was designed for long range reconnaissance missions in the Pacific theatre. In order to increase its range, all armour was removed from the aircraft. It was also give a bulged bomb bay, which gave it an internal fuel capacity of 1,192 gallons. It could also carry a 200 gallon drop tank under each wing.
The PR Mk 34 was powered by the 1,635 hp Merlin 25. Even with a full fuel load, it could still cover 3,600 miles at a speed of 300 mph. It was tested in Britain in April-May 1945, before being flown to India in May 1945, establishing a record time for a flight from England to India in the process!
The PR Mk 34 Mosquito entered service in time to conduct 38 sorties from bases on the Cocos Islands, from where it could reach Sumatra and Malaya. After the Japanese surrender, the PR Mk 34 was used to photograph Prisoner of War camps, to make sure the surrender terms were being properly observed.
In all 181 Mosquite PR Mk 34s were built, and the type remained in service until 15 December 1955. On that date a PR Mk 34 photographed a terrorist camp during the Malaya emergency, the last RAF operation by any Mosquito.
Mosquito Photo-Reconnaissance Units of World World 2, Martin Bowman. The third of three books looking at the RAF career of the Mosquito, this volume looks at the career of the Mosquito as a unarmed photo-reconnaissance aircraft, relying on its exceptional speed to keep it safe. [see more]
