The Mosquito was originally conceived in 1938 as a small bomber which was to rely for its safety upon speed rather than armament, and was to be built of wood for industrial economy and quickness of production.

Two Rolls-Royce Merlin engines enabled the Mosquito to attain a top speed in excess of 400 M.P.H., a range of over 1,500 miles with a 4,000-pound bomb load and a service ceiling of over 36,000 feet.

Unarmed photographic-reconnaissance and night-fighter versions were also produced in large numbers.