The de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide was a twin-engine short-haul biplane transport introduced in 1934, designed as an elegant evolution of the earlier DH.84 Dragon. Built primarily of wood with a plywood fuselage, fabric-covered wings, and fixed tailwheel undercarriage, the Rapide combined light weight with remarkable durability. It was powered by two 200-hp de Havilland Gipsy Six inline engines, giving a cruising speed around 130 mph (210 km/h), a range of about 570 miles (915 km), and seating for six to eight passengers plus a pilot. The wings featured spruce spars and plywood ribs, with the upper and lower panels joined by interplane struts and bracing wires, while the tail surfaces were cantilever wooden structures.

The Dragon Rapides graceful lines and reliable handling made it the most successful British short-haul airliner of the 1930s. Civil operators across Europe and the Commonwealth employed it for regional routes, air mail, and charter work. During the Second World War, over 500 were built as the Dominie for RAF communications, navigation training, and light transport duties. Post-war, many returned to civilian service, flying with small airlines and private owners well into the 1950s. A number survive today, often restored and airworthy, serving as iconic reminders of pre-war aviation elegance and craftsmanship.