Although the de Havilland Mosquito was the fastest aircraft in
the early years of the Second World War, even faster than the
Spitfire, the fact that it was designed as a unarmed bomber
worked against it in combat.
The original unarmed design was based on its high speed and
ability to fly as high as the best aircraft of the time. After
it was introduced, it quickly demonstrated its ability to
out-fly any opponent was its most effective defense.
However, the de Havilland Mosquito did not remain an unarmed
aircraft. The fighter version carried four, 20-milimetre cannons
and four .303 calibre guns. Other modifications included a 57
millimetre quick-firing gun and a pressurized cockpit, which was
useful against the Junkers Ju 88Ps, which flew at very great
altitudes.
The speed and enormous firepower of the Mosquito made it very
effective as a night and day fighter that could successfully
challenge any enemy aircraft. It was especially talented at
intercepting the V-1 Flying "buzz:" bombs that terrorized the
English countryside.
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