de Havilland Dove 6 (1948)

The Dove first flew on 25 September 1945, just six weeks after the Japanese surrender. Designed as a replacement for the pre-war DH Rapide biplane, 544 were built during a production run spanning 23 years –next to the Britten-Norman Islander it is the most-produced British airliner of all time. It was used by airlines for short haul routes and feeder services to the main airports and in many other civilian roles – executive transport, air ambulance and even as a flying classroom. It also  served with the military of more than 20 countries– the RAF called it the Devon and the Royal Navy named theirs the Sea Devon. A later development, the four-engined Heron was also well received with 149 built.

A Dove innovation was the extensive use of adhesive to bond together its all-metal airframe, reducing the use of rivets. This not only saved weight but produced a smoother surface, reducing drag and improving performance. Redux®, the resin adhesive used, was developed by Aero Research Ltd. at Duxford.

G-ALFU was originally built as a Dove 4, modified later to Dove 6 specification with more powerful engines. It spent its whole flying career from 1948 to 1972 at Stansted Airport, used by the Civil Aviation Flying Unit for checking navigational aids and radio communications, and for aircrew training. Unusually, it carries the British Civil Air Ensign on its fin. It was donated to the Imperial War Museum and moved to Duxford in 1973. In February 1984 ownership was transferred to Duxford Aviation Society.