Initially designated the DH.84 Dragon Moth, the subsequently named Dragon first flew in late 1932 and was an immediate success, flying passengers around the UK and between London and Paris from April 1933. Six passengers were carried in closed cabin comfort, the aircraft’s twin engines offering a sense of security. Prior to the introduction of the improved Dragon Rapide, 115 Dragons had been completed when production ended in the UK in 1937. But the story didn't end there. A requirement by the RAAF for a navigation trainer during WWII saw the production of the DH.84 by de Havilland Australia Pty Ltd at Bankstown, NSW. The Dragon made more sense than the Rapide as the Gipsy Major engines which powered the aircraft were already in large scale production in Australia for the Tiger Moth.
This particular Dragon is based with Stan Smith in Auckland and is one of 87 license-built in Australia. Imported into NZ in 1953, the aircraft spent the next 14 years in a variety of civil roles, including that of an air ambulance, it suffering two accidents along the way. Stored from 1967, Stan purchased the aircraft in the early 1980s and rebuilt it to fly, this occurring in 1997. ZK-AXI is one of just four flyable Dragons left in the world, so we are fortunate to witness this rare bird in the air at CF25.
About Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters Omaka: The airshow is the main fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, located in Blenheim, Marlborough NZ.
