The De Havilland DH5 was a British single-seat fighter aircraft that saw action in World War I. Designed by Geoffrey de Havilland, the DH5 aimed to improve upon the earlier Airco DH2. It incorporated a unique feature – backward-staggered wings. This meant the lower wing sat slightly forward of the upper wing, offering a clear view for the pilot and making it effective for trench strafing.

Another significant aspect of the DH5 was its armament. It was one of the first British fighters equipped with the Constantinesco gear, a gun synchronizer that allowed the forward-mounted machine gun to fire safely through the propeller arc.

Despite its innovations, the DH5 had limitations. Pilots found it challenging to handle due to vibrations and a tendency to shed engine parts. Additionally, by the later stages of the war, its performance was surpassed by newer designs like the SE5a.

The DH5’s service life was brief, but it played a role in the early air war, paving the way for advancements in fighter aircraft design.

A propeller from a DH5 is on display in our Museum.