One of the world's first universally successful aircraft designers, Geoffrey de Havilland (later Sir) produced a series of 'pusher' configuration aircraft that included the two seat FE.2 (for the Royal Aircraft Factory) and the not dissimilar DH.1a for Airco Ltd. His next creation, also for Airco, was a reduced size interpretation of those pushers, designed to serve as a single-seat fighting scout. First flown in July 1915, the aircraft proved agile and robust and for the first time, provided pilots with a sight-down-the-barrel, forward-firing machine gun with which to attack enemy aircraft. Entering into service in February 1916 it became an effective combatant. Production reached 453 units by which time the rapid developments in combat aircraft design saw the surviving examples relegated to training roles.
Sadly, no original DH.2s are known to have survived the WW-I era, however a replica was built by Walt Redfern in Idaho in 1970 to keep the memory of the famous pusher alive. At least two others were completed from rudimentary plans prepared by Walt whose original example found its way to New Zealand where for the last almost 20 years, it has been displayed right here at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. As the only representive DH.2 on public display anywhere in the world, it has been viewed by over half a million visitors to the AHC.
The aircraft that will be making its debut at the CF'27 airshow will however, be an entirely different DH.2 replica, this being one of five that were commenced in Oregon several years ago. Only one of that group was finished and flown in the USA before it was brought to New Zealand where it is hoped to see it make its first flight under the ownership of the Classic Wings Magazine team, based here on the field. As for the other four Oregon DH.2s, the airframes of these are have also been brought to Omaka by Classic Wings. A team of enthusiasts spend several days a week bringing them closer to completion. Of interest, another three DH.2s, in fact very accurate reproductions, are nearing completion to fly, one in the UK and the other two, also, in New Zealand!
About Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters Omaka: The airshow is the main fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, located in Blenheim, Marlborough NZ.
