The de Havilland Hornet was a development of de Havilland's classic Mosquito. The Hornet, DH-103 in the company's internal numbering scheme, first flew in 1944 and remained in service until 1956. Powered by twin Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, it was the fastest propeller-driven aircraft ever flown by the RAF, and the fastest wooden aircraft ever built. It was also the last prop-driven type to be flown by the RAF.