With Halloween coming soon, we figured it would be well chosen to discuss the Vampiiire!!! The De Havilland Vampire was the second jet fighter to successfully enter the services of the RAF. Although the project was launched in 1941, it was too late to get in service in time for the war. It’s first flight occurred in 1943 but the jet fighter entered service in 1946. At first, it was said its design was experimental although it looked like the De Havilland Hornet except the propellers were gone. The twin boom allowed for a shorter fuselage and short exhaust which avoid the power loss of a long jet pipe. The Vampire became the first RAF jet to reach the top speed of 500mph, and was also the first British jet fighter to take off and land from an aircraft carrier.

Although designed as a jet fighter, the De Havilland Vampire turned into a ground attack fighter bomber. It was named the FB5. A naval version, which more suited aircraft carriers, was also implemented. One main change was also the exhaust as the jet fighter could not stay idle too long as it would have a tendency to melt the tarmac… The exhaust and jet pipe were modified quickly to fix this “tiny” problem. In the end, more than 8 countries built the Vampire under license, and around 30 countries have used this jet fighter.

Countries started decommissioning their Vampires in the 70s and the last one was officially demilitarized in 1979. Conceived as a jet fighter, it has been mostly used a ground attack fighter bomber and as a jet trainer towards the end of its existence. Today, there about 80 Vampires remaining – out of 4000 built - in flying conditions. You can fly the Vampire in Sweden where a private owner will take you for a 20mn ride over the Swedish countryside. There is another Vampire in flying conditions in Paris, France. We would be happy to know if anyone knows of other Vampires that can be flown.