Dragon Rapide

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Geoffrey de Havilland's DH.89 Dragon Rapide, introduced in the early 1930s, transformed air travel with its simplicity, reliability, and affordability, becoming a key player in both commercial and military aviation. At that time, aviation was largely a rich man's pursuit, but de Havilland's company changed that with a series of accessible airliners. The DH.89 first flew in 1934, quickly making a name for itself by participating in air races and entering commercial service shortly after. With over 700 units produced, it became a significant biplane commercial airliner. The aircraft was used globally, and in 1939, the military requisitioned Rapides, ordering 500 more as trainers, known as the Dominie, for the RAF and Royal Navy. After the war, many surplus aircraft were repurposed by airlines for short-haul services, which continued into the 1960s. Remarkably, many airworthy Rapides still exist today, used for pleasure flying worldwide. This story is illustrated through an exceptional collection of archive images, most of which have never been published before, showcasing the legacy of this remarkable aircraft.