de Havilland Mosquito PR XVI
D for Dorothy (4 of 4)
|
|
The PR Mk XVI was by far the most numerous photo reconnaissance version of the Mosquito, with a total of 435 produced from November 1943. It was closely related to the B Mk XVI. Like that version it was powered by the Merlin 72 and had a pressurised cabin.
While the B Mk XVI had a bulged bomb bay, to allow it to carry the 4,000lb “cookie” bomb, the PR Mk XVI had a standard flush bomb bay, containing two camera ports. The PR Mk XVI had three blisters on the cockpit – one on each side and a third above the navigator’s position.
The PR Mk XVI first saw service with No. 140 Squadron, of the 2nd Tactical Air Force. This unit was involved in the build up to D-Day, taking photographs of northern France. A number of PR Mk XVIs were used with the Gee and Rebecca navigation aids to allow them to carry out long range night photography. The number of PR Mk XVIs build ensured that the type saw a wider range of service than most PR Mosquitoes, including a significant amount of war in the Mediterranean.
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]
