1937-1954

 



 

The Dragon Rapide is a development of the de Havilland Aircraft Company's DH 84 Dragon which was first flown from de Havilland's works on 24 November 1932. Designs for a faster and more comfortable Dragon commenced in late l933. Designated the DH 89 "Rapide" and piloted for the first time on the 17th of April 1934, the 9 seat aircraft was powered by two de Havilland Gipsy "Six" engines of 200 hp, giving a maximum speed of approximately 160 mph, a cruising speed of about 130 mph and a range of nearly 600 miles. From 1937, small flaps were installed on the engine's body, these modified planes were named DH-89A. The "Rapides" were sold all around the world to civilian's markets. Some units were even equipped with skis or as float-planes for the Canadian market.
Swissair used the Dragons for their Switzerland-Austria Operations between 1937 till 1954.

More about Swissair's DH.98 here.

 

Manufacturer
De Havilland Aircraft Co, Hatfield (GB)
Span
14.63 m
Length 
10.52 m
Height 
3.12 m, 4.20 m with antenna
Power (HP)  
2 x 200
Cruising Speed
220 km/h
Passengers
5
Range
850 km
Area of Operation
Switzerland & Austria

 

HB-APA

De Havilland D.H.89 Dragon Rapide

# 6250

20.03.1937

24.06.1954

delivered to Aero St. Gallen (Ostschweizerische Aero-Gesellschaft) as HB-ARA, and later taken over by Swissair and re-registered HB-APA. In 1954 sold to Farnerwerke Grenchen.Was the Prototype of the DH89.

HB-APE

De Havilland D.H.89A Dragon Rapide

# 6437

19.04.1948

24.06.1954

Delivered in March 1939 to swiss airline ALPAR as HB-AME, then taken over by Swissair in 1947 and re-registered as HB-APE. Later became D-IGUN and was then painted up & preserved as G-RCYR.

HB-APU

De Havilland D.H.89A Dragon Rapide

# 6438

14.05.1948

24.06.1954

Delivered in March 1939 to swiss airline ALPAR as HB-AMU, then taken over by Swissair in 1947 and re-registered as HB-APU.Sold to Farnerwerke Grenchen.
non Swissair

ZK-SWR

De Havilland D.H.89A Dragon Rapide

# ?

 

A still flying Dragon Rapide in Swissair Colors. More detailed Infos on this wonderful Bird will follow soon.

 

cabin
formation of 6
     

 

 


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last update January 2009