Watch a Classic WWII Mosquito with Twin Merlins at High Power
Historical Aviation Film Unit / YouTube
The Sound of History
Few aircraft from the Second World War are as distinctive as the de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito. Known for its wooden structure and remarkable speed, the Mosquito gained the nickname “The Wooden Wonder.” What makes it unforgettable, however, is the sound of its twin Rolls-Royce Merlin engines. The video of Mosquito KA114 and NZ2308 captures this unique character, allowing modern audiences to experience the same deep roar that pilots once heard over Europe and the Pacific.
Instead of narration, the video preserves only the natural sound of the aircraft in flight. The powerful engines, also used in Spitfire and Hurricane fighters, produce a throaty resonance that enthusiasts can recognize immediately. Each low pass of the Mosquito offers not only a display of performance but also a living reminder of wartime engineering skill.
A Versatile Warbird
The Mosquito was designed in Britain as a fast multi-role aircraft, with a frame built largely from plywood. This material was not only easier to source during wartime shortages but also gave the Mosquito a lighter weight and a structure less visible to early radar systems. Capable of flying over 400 miles per hour while carrying 4,000 pounds of bombs, it could match the pace of contemporary fighters while delivering the payload of a medium bomber.
Its versatility made it essential. Mosquito crews carried out reconnaissance flights, nighttime interceptions, and low-level raids that demanded both precision and bravery. The type also served as a Pathfinder, guiding heavy bombers to their targets with flares and markers.
Restored to the Skies
The aircraft featured in the video were restored by AvSpecs in New Zealand, using original construction methods. Each restoration required new wooden fuselages, crafted by hand with specialized moulds, and carefully recreated parts to replace those too rare to find. Only a few Mosquitos remain airworthy today, making the sound of these Merlins in harmony a rare gift for modern listeners.
Keep going for the video below:
