Airco - Airco DH.9

About Airco - Airco DH.9

The Airco DH.9, registered as G-CDLI (originally E-8894), is a profoundly historic and singular aircraft, holding the distinction of being the world's only original World War I bomber still capable of flight. Designed by Aircraft Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (Airco) and first manufactured in 1918, this British single-engine biplane was conceived as a light bomber to succeed the DH.4, playing a crucial role in offensive operations during the Great War, including bombing raids over Germany and reconnaissance missions. Its robust construction and versatile design allowed it to operate effectively across various fronts, from the Western Front to anti-submarine patrols and deployment in the Middle East and Indian subcontinent. After its military service, the DH.9 demonstrated remarkable adaptability, transitioning into roles as airliners and courier aircraft across the British Empire. This particular airframe, G-CDLI, has undergone a meticulous restoration by Retrotec in East Sussex, a process that returned it to full flying condition complete with its original engine. This restoration represents an extraordinary achievement in aviation heritage, providing a tangible and living link to the First World War. It is not only crucial for historical preservation but also serves as a testament to the dedication of organizations like Aero Vintage in safeguarding aviation legacies. The aircraft's presence at various airshows and events, such as Duxford and Old Warden, allows modern audiences to experience a piece of history firsthand, showcasing the ingenuity and challenges of early aviation. The Airco DH-9 marked a significant step in aviation history as one of the first purpose-built strategic bombers manufactured in Britain. Designed around the newly developed 200 hp Siddeley Puma engine, the DH.9 was intended to improve upon its predecessor, the DH.4. Despite challenges with the engine’s reliability, the DH.9 became one of the most produced aircraft of the First World War, with over 2,000 examples built. The DH.9 was utilised in a great number of bombing raids over Germany and over the Western Front; it also saw service in an anti-submarine role, in the Middle East and Indian sub-continent. After the war, the aircraft’s versatility saw it adapted for various roles, including as airliners and long-distance courier aircraft, serving across the British Empire. Despite its widespread use, few examples of the DH.9 survive today. Aero Vintage played a pivotal role in the discovery and recovery of two DH.9s in India after years of negotiation. These aircraft have since been carefully restored to preserve their historical significance. E-8894, now registered G-CDLI, was restored to flying condition with an original engine, making it the only First World War bomber currently capable of flight and the sole flying example from the Imperial Gift Scheme. Its counterpart, D-5649, was restored to a non-flying, conserved condition and is now displayed in the Imperial War Museum’s Airspace hangar. Both restorations were completed to the highest standards in the Retrotec workshops in East Sussex. The restoration of E-8894, completed in late 2018, ensures this remarkable aircraft’s place in aviation history as a genuine flying relic of the First World War and a testament to Aero Vintage’s dedication to preserving aviation heritage. The DH.9 is available for Inspection strictly by appointment only via Platinum Fighter Sales.

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