Cancelled
We have just been informed by the Vampire Preservation Group that this display is cancelled. This is due to technical difficulties with the aircraft.
De Havilland Vampire Display - Sunday
Weather permitting. Time, approximately 1.00 pm.
History of the Vampire
The de Havilland Vampire was the first single engine jet fighter to enter service with the RAF. The prototype made its maiden flight on 20th September 1943; over the next few years it claimed the following 'firsts':
- The first jet aircraft to land and take-off from an aircraft carrier
- The first crossing of the Atlantic by a jet
- The first jet trainer on which RAF student pilots could gain their 'Wings'
- The Vampire T11 first flew in1950 and served in Britain until 1968.
As a training aircraft, the Vampire T11 excelled. The side by side seating ensured both pilots had good visibility, whilst the aircraft's inherent stability and docility made it a relatively safe and effective platform for instruction. The Vampire was also used for advanced training and weapons instruction with rockets and bombs fitted under the wing. This compared favourably with the tandem cockpit and completely unarmed Meteor T7.
The engine was another major breakthrough, following years of dedicated research. The "Goblin" engine produces an incredible and distinctive sound - one of the many reasons this aircraft is a proven crowd pleaser at air shows!
The Vampire Preservation Group
The Vampire Preservation Group was formed in 2005 to operate WZ507 (civilian registration G-VTII), believed to be the last airworthy de Havilland Vampire T11 in the world.
The VPG is a non-profit making group, dedicated to keeping this unique aircraft where it belongs - in the air! Our goals are summarised below:
Preserve WZ507 in an airworthy condition
Display this unique aircraft to members of the public at airshows around the UK
Educate people in the role played by the Vampire in British aviation
Proudly promote this country's important aviation heritage
About Our Aircraft - WZ507
WZ507 was built in 1952 by the de Havilland Aircraft Company at Christchurch, Dorset and was delivered to the RAF in March 1953. It served with 229 OCU Chivenor, 8 FTS Swinderby, 5 FTS Oakington, 3 CAACU Exeter and finally CATCS at Shawbury.
WZ507 retired from RAF service in 1969, but in 1980 became the first ex-military jet to be put onto the UK civilian register, after being restored by the Solway Aviation Society at Carlisle. It is believed to be the only British built, ex-RAF Vampire T11 flying in the world and is based at North Weald airfield in Essex.
2008 Colour Scheme
After twenty years in the previously colour scheme, in April WZ507 went into the hangar for a complete strip back, inspection and re-paint. During this time significant anti-corrosion work was undertaken, which will help keep WZ507 in top condition for at least another twenty years.
The new colour scheme shows WZ507 in the markings of 219 Squadron, with red and black chevrons on the tail boom. Whilst not strictly accurate, we have kept the ‘74’ on the nose – this has been WZ507’s identity for so long it seemed wrong to change it!
Facts and Figures
Crew: |
2 |
Engine: |
de Havilland Goblin 3 |
Thrust: |
3,350 lbs (1522 kgs) |
Span: |
38' 0" (11.6 m) |
Length: |
34' 5" (10.5 m) |
Height: |
6' 7" (2.0 m) |
Wing Area: |
262 sq ft |
Max Weight: |
11000 lb (4989 kgs) |
Max Speed at Sea Level: |
350 kts (403 mph) |
Max Speed at 10,000’ |
440 kts (507 mph) |
Ceiling: |
40000 ft (12220 m) |
More Information
The Vampire Preservation Group has a comprehensive website, containing much more information about our activities. Please visit us at: www.vampirepreservation.org.uk. Sections include:
Photograph Competition
Your photograph of WZ507 displaying today could win you a flight in the aircraft! Simply submit your picture to the VPG via the website – the winner will be announced in October 2008.
Supporter’s Club
If you wish to support WZ507 and become more involved with this historic aircraft, why not join our Supporter’s Club? Members will receive a quarterly colour newsletter with reports on our latest activities, a range of exclusive club merchandise and the chance to see behind the scenes at our North Weald base. Membership starts from just £1 per month and all proceeds are used to help keep WZ507 flying for the public at airshows - none of it will be wasted.
Group Ownership
Shares in the Vampire are available and anybody may apply – you do not have to be a pilot!
The benefits of ownership are varied – for some people the aspect of owing a unique aircraft will be the major factor, for others it will be the satisfaction of helping to keep this historic aircraft airworthy. Many may find that the lure of flying the Vampire is irresistible – the aircraft has two seats and two sets of controls, so anybody can experience flying in this exciting aircraft! The Vampire T11 is fully aerobatic and has stunning jet performance, whilst being relatively docile and straight-forward to fly – it is an excellent jet training aircraft.
Whatever your motive, by joining the VPG you will be joining a group of like-minded aviation enthusiasts, all dedicated to keeping this beautiful aircraft where it belongs – in the air!
