Platinum Fighter Sales has recently listed a truly remarkable aircraft for sale: the 1918 Aircraft Manufacturing Co. Ltd. DH.9, registered G-CDLI. This machine holds the distinction of being the world’s only original World War I bomber still flying.
The Airco DH.9 represented a significant step forward in aviation history as one of Britain’s first purpose-built strategic bombers. Designed around the new 200 hp Siddeley Puma engine, it was intended to improve upon the earlier DH.4. While the Puma’s reliability proved problematic, the DH.9 nonetheless became one of the most widely produced aircraft of the Great War, with more than 2,000 built.
During the conflict, the DH.9 took part in extensive bombing raids over Germany and the Western Front, while also serving in anti-submarine patrols, as well as in the Middle East and on the Indian subcontinent. After the Armistice, the type’s versatility ensured its continued use, with adaptations as airliners and courier aircraft operating throughout the British Empire. Despite its wartime ubiquity, few examples of the DH.9 survive today. Aero Vintage was instrumental in locating and recovering two airframes in India after years of negotiation. These aircraft were then meticulously restored by Retrotec in East Sussex to ensure their preservation.
The first, E-8894 (G-CDLI), was returned to full flying condition, complete with an original engine. It now stands as the only airworthy World War I bomber in existence and the sole flying survivor of Britain’s postwar Imperial Gift Scheme. Its sister aircraft, D-5649, was conserved in a non-flying state and today resides on display in the Imperial War Museum’s Airspace hangar. Completed in late 2018, the restoration of E-8894 represents a remarkable achievement in historic aviation. More than just an aircraft, it is a rare, living link to the First World War and a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of Aero Vintage and Retrotec in safeguarding our aviation heritage. For more information, visit Platinum Fighter Sales.
