Dragon Rapide Vintage Warplane

Information about the Dragon Rapide Vintage Warplane

Explore the Dragon Rapide developed by the British aircraft company, de Havilland in the 1930s. Designed to fit between 6-8 people it was known at the time as being a smaller, twin engine version of the earlier DH.86 Express but soon got recruited to support the efforts of World War 2. 

But unlike the supreme fighting capabilities of the Spitfire, the Dragon Rapide was used in the RAF and Royal Navy for radio and navigation training, passenger transport and communications missions throughout WW2. Most significantly, this aircraft is remembered in aviation history for its role in the Battle of France between May to June of 1940, where 24 planes were recruited to act as aerial couriers between Britain and France. Out of the 24 that went, 10 were lost.

But Dragon Rapides are not just associated with WW2, but a certain member of royalty as Edward Prince of Wales himself owned one of these planes, which he used for royal duties. He even flew one himself to London for his accession as King in 1936.

By 1946, Dragon Rapides had endured long use throughout WW2 and 727 had been produced. Although they remained in use by the RAF in the post war period, production was eventually halted and they were replaced by the de Havilland Dove.

Flying Experiences in the Dragon Rapide Vintage Warplane

If you want to experience one of the most successfully mass produced planes in British history that had an essential role in WW2, look no further! Here at Flydays, we are offering a number of Vintage Flying Experiences in the Dragon Rapide across the UK where you can admire the glorious landscape all around as well as the history of this marvellous plane.

If it’s a combination of city views and WW2 aviation history you crave, then why not take a flight in a Dragon Rapide from Duxford as you make your way to London? This not only gives you the chance to soak up the sounds and smells of this pivotal WW2 RAF plane, but gives you incredible views of the city you won’t forget any time soon. Pitched as the perfect experience of history contrasted with the present day, it’s safe to say as you drift over the city you’ll be reminded of just how much the landscape has changed since the 1940s.

If you’re more of a countryside fan, you can even take one of these flights over the picturesque landscape of Cambridge, as you’re guided by an expert pilot so you can sit back, relax and drink in all the views and feelings of being in a vintage plane. Due to these planes being quite roomy, you can even take a friend with you to enjoy the ride as you both embark on experiencing a slither of WW2 history!

Exploring other Vintage Flying Experiences

With vintage flying, there’s so much to explore as many different planes have been lovingly restored and kept airborne over the years. This is because keeping them alive and allowing the public to experience for themselves is an essential way to get close to history and understand what previous generations went through in the last century.

If you’re not quite sold on the Dragon Rapide, here at Flydays, we offer a range of Pleasure Flights in Spitfires, Tiger Moths, Boeing Stearmans, VF516 Auster Warbird’s and more! If aviation history is your thing, you’re definitely in the right place to make some flying dreams come true.

But if you're torn between the incredible Dragon Rapide and the iconic Spitfire, fear not, as you can combine the two in our fantastic wing to wing experience! Once securely sat in a Dragon Rapide, you will closely follow a Spitfire in the skies from Duxford and be able to marvel at the historic ingenuity of this plane closely in the skies. Although seeing Spitfires from the ground is impressive, nothing will compare you to following it in combat through the skies.

Gift Vouchers for Dragon Rapide Vintage Warplane Flights

It’s safe to say that whatever type of Dragon Rapide flight you decide on, each will make a once in a lifetime experience filled with long lasting memories. To not miss out on securing your dream flight, make sure to book online today using the Flydays website where you can purchase a Gift Voucher for the experience.

Buying for somebody else? Not only is a flying experience the perfect gift to celebrate a birthday or other special occasion, but we make it super convenient for the recipient to choose exactly what they would like to do and where with an open Flydays Gift Voucher that can be redeemed across the website.

This gives you, the buyer, that added peace of mind for when you’re not 100% sure on a specific experience, this gives the recipient the tools to build the vintage flying experience of their dreams.