
DE HAVILLAND 98 MOSQUITO  
Mosquito FB.Mk XVIII  (Anti-shipping Strike Fighter)  circa 1944


 The FB.Mk XVIII was converted from Mk VI airframes with a single 57mm 
Molins gun in the fuselage which replaced the four cannon battery while
retaining its .303 cal MG in the nose. Extra armour was installed around 
the cockpit and engines to provide added protection during attacks against 
armed convoys. Coastal Command received only 27 production aircraft that 
entered service with No. 248 Squadron at Baniff in January 1944 and were
mainly used against coastal traffic while patrolling the English Channel.
 The Molins cannon was fitted as a special anti-shipping version which
weighed over 907kg (2000lbs) and fired a rate of 25 rounds within 20 sec.
of 6 pound shells. But the six-pounder was not considered a success as
its recoil constantly caused local structural damage in the Mosquito's
nose. The original proposal was intended as an anti-tank aircraft but due
to its weighty performance was considered already obsolete in that role. 
 In order to provide the necessary 6-lb shell punch, the 57mm cannon will
remain in the default position whenever firing either or both pairs of 
Browning machine guns. As a result it is best to find your primary target 
and try to destroy it first before the limited ammunition for the Molins 
gun runs out. Interdict missions for enemy convoys can be found in the
target area off the coast of Ostend.
 

ECA Panel Guns and Ammunition Upgrades

         Mosquito FB.Mk XVIII
        nickname: "Tse-Tse" Fly
2x.303 MG (nose)              1000 rpg
2x.303 MG (nose)              1000 rpg
1x57mm cannon (nose-default)    25 rpg (modified for greater impact)


Comments may be placed at aldwornick@home.com and mjlask@ameritech.net
Special acknowledgement for helping with the loadout hexing by Moggy.
Camo made available as free-ware and credited as a skin by Migge.

Ref: The Complete Book of Fighters by W.Green and G.Swanborough
     The Encyclopedia of Weapons of WWII by Chris Bishop
     Aircraft of World War II by Chris Chant
     Joe Baughers American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia on the net
     The Warplanes of the Third Reich by W.Green
     Alexandre Savines Russian Aviation Museum on the net
     Fighting Aircraft of World War II by Bill Gunston

WARNING: Any gun and loadout reconfigurations are solely for its user to 
         have fun base on the most accurrate information available!
UPDATED: 11/08/00