Tigermoths were one of the first 'warbirds' to find their way overseas
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More Tigers! A stack of six Tigermoths from the Cache exported from Chennai. VT-DOZ was formerly HU-504 of the Indian Air Force. Photo Courtesy : Simon Watson |
One of this batch of Tigermoths which made its way to Germany as Miss Sophie. This aircraft was procured from UK and is operated as D-ETHC. The aircraft has the colors RAF Training scheme with serial N-6740. The aircraft started service with this serial during WW2 with the RAF before moving to the civlian register as G-AISY. The aircraft then came to the Indian Civilian registry in July 1948 as VT-CZV before it was acquired by the Indian Air Force. Its IAF Identity is not known.
Two other airframes were registered on the UK Registry. VT-DOW became G-BINH and VT-DPE became G-BUJY. G-BINH flew for a short while in the 80s before encountering an accident. The remaining airframes were sold to a South African consortium. The aircraft were shipped to South Africa in January 2000 and are still believed to be there.
| Aircraft Type | Serial No | Other Id | Current Location |
| DH-82 Tigermoth | HU-187 | Later VT-DPC | in South Africa |
| DH-82 Tigermoth | HU-483 | Later VT-DOU | in South Africa |
| DH-82 Tigermoth | HU-488 | Later VT-DOW | G-BINH – Under restoration in UK |
| DH-82 Tigermoth | HU-492 | Later VT-DOX | in South Africa |
| DH-82 Tigermoth | HU-498 | Later VT-DOY | in South Africa |
| DH-82 Tigermoth | HU-504 | Later VT-DOZ | in South Africa |
| DH-82 Tigermoth | HU-511 | Later VT-DPA | in South Africa |
| DH-82 Tigermoth | HU-708 | Later VT-DPB | in South Africa |
| DH-82 Tigermoth | HU-858 | Later VT-DPE | G-BUJY – Under restoration in UK |
| DH-82 Tigermoth | HU-887 | Later VT-DPH | in South Africa |
| DH-82 Tigermoth | – | Later VT-CZV | Currently D-ETHC in Germany “Miss Sophie” |
Sources:
1. Flypast Magazine July 2000 issue, Key Publishing.
2. Miss-Sophie.org
