de Havilland Vampire HB-RVJ

de Havilland Vampire HB-RVJ

About the Aircraft

The de Havilland DH100 Vampire, introduced in the mid-1940s, was one of the United Kingdom’s first jet fighters and the RAF’s second operational jet aircraft after the Gloster Meteor. Conceived in 1941 during World War II, the Vampire was designed to exploit the emerging technology of jet propulsion, utilizing a single Halford H.1 (later Goblin) turbojet engine housed within a distinctive twin-boom configuration. Its development was spearheaded by the de Havilland Aircraft Company, which leveraged its expertise in both wood and metal aircraft construction. The Vampire made its maiden flight on September 20, 1943, and entered service with the Royal Air Force in 1946, swiftly replacing many piston-engined fighters due to its superior speed and performance. The aircraft set several aviation milestones, including being the first jet to cross the Atlantic Ocean and the first pure-jet aircraft to operate from an aircraft carrier.

Throughout its operational history, the Vampire proved to be a versatile and reliable platform, adapted into numerous variants to fulfill roles ranging from interceptor and ground-attack missions to advanced pilot training. Its adaptability facilitated widespread export, with nearly 3,300 units manufactured and serving in 31 air forces worldwide. Notable versions included the Sea Vampire for naval operations, the FB.5 fighter-bomber, and the DH.115 Vampire trainer. The Vampire saw combat in various conflicts such as the Suez Crisis, the Malayan Emergency, and the Rhodesian Bush War, demonstrating its effectiveness in diverse environments. Production continued until the mid-1960s, when advancements in jet technology and the introduction of more sophisticated aircraft led to its retirement. The Vampire’s enduring legacy lies in its role in transitioning air forces from piston-engined fighters to the jet age, cementing its place as a significant milestone in military aviation history.

Specifications

Crew

1 or 2

Length

30 ft 9 in (9.37 m)

Wingspan

38 ft (11.58 m)

Height

8 ft 10 in (2.69 m)

Max Speed

548 mph (882 km/h, 476 kn)

Range

1,220 mi (1,960 km, 1,060 nmi)

Service Ceiling

42,800 ft (13,000 m)

g limits

+6 to -3

Vampire T.55

The de Havilland DH100 Vampire, a pioneering British jet fighter developed during World War II, holds the distinction of being the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) second operational jet fighter, following the Gloster Meteor. Conceived in 1941 under the guidance of Sir Henry Tizard, the Vampire was designed to harness the emerging technology of jet propulsion. Utilizing a single Halford H.1 turbojet engine and featuring a distinctive twin-boom configuration, the aircraft made its maiden flight on September 20, 1943. The Vampire rapidly proved its efficacy, setting several aviation firsts, including being the first jet aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean, and was officially inducted into RAF service in 1946. Its straightforward design, reliability, and superior performance allowed it to replace numerous piston-engined fighters in front-line service, remaining a versatile asset until its transition to secondary roles in the early 1950s.

Among the various iterations of the Vampire, the T.55 emerged as a significant trainer variant tailored for export markets. The T.55 was developed by converting existing Vampire trainers, such as the T.11, and constructing new units specifically for international customers. A total of 322 T.55s were produced, with notable production runs in Switzerland and India, where Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) manufactured 60 units. This variant was designed to provide advanced training capabilities, incorporating dual controls to accommodate both instructors and trainee pilots. Additionally, a small number of T.55s were modified for photo reconnaissance purposes (PR.55), demonstrating the versatility of the Vampire platform in fulfilling various operational requirements beyond its original fighter and ground-attack roles.

The Vampire T.55 served with numerous air forces worldwide, reflecting the aircraft’s widespread export and adaptability to diverse operational environments. Countries such as Switzerland and India utilized the T.55 extensively for pilot training, benefiting from its reliable performance and manageable handling characteristics. The T.55 played a crucial role in developing the next generation of jet pilots during the early years of jet aviation, bridging the transition from piston-engined aircraft to more advanced jet fighters. The longevity of the T.55 in service, with production continuing until the mid-1960s, underscored its effectiveness and the enduring legacy of the Vampire series in shaping post-war military aviation training programs globally.

Did You Know?

  • The DH.100 Vampire was a versatile aircraft, serving as both a single-seat day fighter and a fighter-bomber, showcasing its adaptability to various military roles.
  • Among the Vampire variants, the F.1 was the primary single-seat fighter version for the RAF, with 228 production aircraft built. Notably, 30 of these were later transferred to the French Air Force for familiarization.
  • The FB.5 variant of the Vampire was particularly prolific, with 1,123 units constructed, including a significant number for the RAF. This model featured clipped wings and was specifically designed as a fighter-bomber.
  • The Vampire’s design extended beyond the UK, with notable exports including 310 units of the FB.6 to Sweden, known as the J 28B, which were later relegated to an attack role.
  • The NF.10 Vampire was a two-seat night fighter version, with 81 units built for the RAF. It was later exported, with countries like Italy and India acquiring refurbished models for their air forces.

Test Your Knowledge

1. What was the primary engine used in the de Havilland DH100 Vampire?

Performer Information

The Vampire T.55 HB-RVJ was produced in 1959 and designated as a trainer. Upon completion of its production, it was incorporated into the Schweizer Luftwaffe, the Swiss Air Force, where it was assigned the serial number U-1228. This aircraft served with the Swiss Air Force until its retirement from active duty in 1990. Following its retirement, in early 1991, the Vampire was transferred to the Fliegermuseum, also known as the Swiss Flying Museum, located at Altenrhein Airport.

At the museum, the aircraft underwent a transformation, receiving a new color scheme and a civilian registration number, HB-RVJ. The Vampire T.55 became a regular participant in various aviation events and exhibitions, captivating audiences with its sleek design and historical significance until the end of 2019.

After the conversion, the aircraft was delivered to the Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force) and assigned the serial number J-4201. J-4201 remained in service with the Swiss Air Force until the mid-1990s when it was retired from active duty and subsequently sold to private ownership.

Currently, the Vampire T.55 is part of the static display at the FFA Museum at St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport, where it continues to be a testament to the evolution of military aviation and the legacy of the Swiss Air Force.

Inactive Status

This aircraft is now part of the static display at the FFA Museum

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