The de Havilland Aircraft Museum has added a new Mosquito to its collection, after a 45-year restoration project was finally completed.

Mosquito fighter bomber TA 122 was rolled out of its hanger at the London Colney museum for the first time on October 13, bringing an end to a project that started way back in 1979.

After recovering the fuselage from the Netherlands, wings and other components from a Sea Mosquito were found in in 1980, with the eventual result being the only restored Mosquito F.B. VI in Europe.

Work on the aircraft began way back in 1979.Work on the aircraft began way back in 1979. (Image: de Havilland Aircraft Museum)

During an extensive and painstaking restoration project parts were manufactured from scratch using the original drawings, the aircraft was rewired to allow electrical functions, a new canopy was installed and the cockpit fully fitted out with radios and navigation equipment.

"We’re delighted to finally unveil the completed Mosquito fighter bomber - the most widely produced Mosquito variant - to our visitors," said Ian Thirsk, the museum’s acting head of collections.

"Thanks to the skill and dedication of both past and present volunteers, this truly international project has now reached fruition.

The aircraft is the only restored Mosquito F.B. VI in Europe.The aircraft is the only restored Mosquito F.B. VI in Europe. (Image: de Havilland Aircraft Museum)

"The Mosquito fighter bomber exemplifies the type’s tremendous versatility so this beautiful aeroplane will enable us to relay another part of the de Havilland story."

The Mosquito was designed and produced by ground-breaking Hatfield-based company de Havilland, with more than 7,700 built between 1940 and 1950.

The versatile aircraft was used in a number of important roles by the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, carrying out daring raids on Amiens Prison and Berlin.