de Havilland Vampire and Sea Vampire (1946 - 1969)

While much energy was expended on the first British jet fighter, the Meteor, a second and smaller type was being built by de Havilland as the DH.100 to specification E.6/41. Originally and unofficially named Spidercrab, the new fighter was eventually produced as the Vampire. The first prototype, LZ548/G, flew on 20 September 1943, some six months later than the Meteor. It was designed around a single H1 engine, later to become the Goblin; power was limited and a lightweight twin-boom configuration was employed. Armament was to be four 20mm cannon.

Prototype Spidercrab LZ548/G

F Mark I The Mark I first flew (TG274) on 20 April 1945 with a square cut tail fin after modifications to the prototype to establish the best fin and rudder configuration. The first aircraft went to 247 Sqn from March 1946 and as production progressed improvements were introduced on the line. From the 40th aircraft the Goblin 2 of 3,100lb thrust was introduced together with auxiliary underwing fuel tanks and from the 51st machine the type had a pressurized cockpit and bubble canopy.
Service Fighter 3, 20, 54, 72, 130, 247, 501, 600, 605, 608, 613 Anti-aircraft co-operation 595, 631 Training 1689 Flt; 202, 203, 208 AFS; CFS; 19 FTS; 102, 103 FRS; 226 OCU; RAFC Communications FCCS; 12 GCF; Acklington APS Other AFDS; CFE; ETPS; NGTE; WEE

F Mk 1 TG301 of 247 Sqn

F Mk 1 prototype TG278 with extended wing tips

Mark II The next variant comprised four F Mk 1 aircraft fitted with the Nene I of 4,500lbs thrust. Built to specification F.11/45 the version featured two small additional intakes mounted just behind the cockpit. The fourth conversion, with revised main intakes, served as the prototype for the Australian built Mk 30.

F Mk 2 TG276 showing extra intakes

F Mark 3 The short range of the early aircraft was addressed in the Mark 3 which was built to specification F.3/47 and carried more fuel in wing tanks resulting in extended range (730 to 1,145 miles). The tanks caused stability problems which were cured by lowering the tailplane, extending its chord and changing the shape of the fin and rudder. The prototype was TG275 which flew on 4 November 1945 and the type joined 54 Sqn in April 1948.
Service Fighter 5, 20, 32, 54, 72, 73, 247, 502, 601, 604, 605, 608, 614 Training CFS Communications 25, 602, 603; Chivenor, Odiham, Thorney Island SFs; Other AMSDU; 1, 4, 5 CAACU; CFE; 1 OFU; TEU Khartoum; TFU

VT812 as N of 601 Sqn RAuxAF RAF Museum

Mark IV This was an intended Nene-powered version of the F Mk 3.

FB Mark 5 The Mark 5 resulted from capitalising on the Vampire's sound handling qualities as a ground attack platform. The wings were clipped and strengthened to enable the carriage of two 1,000lb bombs or eight rockets. To compensate for the additional wing loading a longer stroke undercarriage was fitted. TG444, a converted F Mk 1, flew on 29 June 1948 and the first production aircraft followed a year later. The first aircraft were delivered to 54 Sqn. Some aircraft operated by OCUs were informally designated FB(T) Mk 5.
Service Fighter/close support 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 14, 16, 20, 26, 28, 32, 54, 60, 67, 71, 72, 73, 93, 94, 98, 112, 118, 130, 145, 185, 213, 234, 247, 249, 266, 501, 502, 602, 603, 605, 607, 608, 609, 612, 613, 614 Training 45, 111, 151; 226, 229, 233, 236 OCU; 202, 203, 206, 208, 210 AFS; CFS; CNCS; CNS; FETS; 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 FTS; 102, 103 FRS; FTU; RAFFC Communications 2, 12, 43, 63, 81, 83 GCF; FCCS; MCCS; MECF; 2 TAFCS; 2 FP; Abu Sueir, Aldergrove, Filton Gutersloh, Habbaniyah, Honiley, Kinloss, North Weald, Odiham, Ouston, St Eval, Tangmere, Thornaby, West Raynham SFs Other APS Acklington, Sylt; AFDS; ATDU; 2, 3, 3/4, 4, 5 CAACU; CCGS; DFLS; ETPS; FWS; IAM; 1 OFU; SLAW; TRE; VFE

VZ304 preserved at Duxford 1980 in the markings of 501 Sqn RAuxAF

FB(T) Mk 5 VZ116 of 8 FTS 1956

FB Mark 6 A single test aircraft (TG433) was fitted with the Goblin Mk 3 as the Mark 6 prior to a Swiss Air Force order where, unusually the British designation was retained.

Swiss Air Force F Mk 6 J-1010

Mark 7 Like the Mark 6 the Mark 7 was intended for the Goblin 3 but in the event it was not produced as such, being developed into the export FB Mark 50.

FB Mark 8 The Mark 8 was the precursor to the Type 112 Venom. A single F Mk 1 conversion, TG278, was fitted with the Ghost engine while retaining the Vampire wing.

F Mk 1 TG278 with Ghost engine

FB Mark 9 The need for improved pilot comfort in the tropics resulted in the Mark 9. The basic FB Mk 5 was fitted with air conditioning which resulted in an eight inch increase in the starboard wing root fillet.
Service Fighter/close support 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 20, 26, 28, 32, 45, 60, 73, 93, 185, 213, 234, 249, 501, 502, 603, 607, 608, 613, 614 Training 203, 208 AFS; 1, 4, 5, 7, 8 FTS; FETS; 233 OCU; RAFC Communications 147; 1 OFU; Aden CF; Butterworth APC; Iraq, Malta CS; MECF Other 1, 3 CAACU

Line-up of FB Mk 9s at Tengah 1952 including WL514/X and WG878/A

NF Mark 10 The DH.113 was originally built as a private venture night fighter equipped with the AI Mark 10 radar. The fuselage was widened and lengthened to accommodate pilot and navigator and the tailplane was extended beyond the fins and rudders to compensate. The prototype, as G-5-2, flew on 28 August 1949 and pending the delivery of the Meteor night fighters the type served with three UK based units, starting with 25 Sqn in July 1951.
Service Night fighter 23, 25, 151 Other CSE

NF Mk 10 WP233 of 25 Sqn at West Malling

NF(T) Mark 10 The sub-variant was a conversion of the NF Mk 10 for navigator training. The radar was removed and replaced with Rebecca 3 and Gee 3 navigational aids. The canopy was replaced with the type fitted to the Venom NF Mk 2A.
Service Training 1, 2 ANS; CNCS; RAFFC

T Mark 11 The DH.115 was also built as a private venture trainer to which specification T.111 was issued. The configuration was similar to that of the NF Mk 10 but the fin was extended by a fillet, radar and armament was deleted and dual controls fitted. The prototype (G-5-7 /WW456) flew on 15 November 1950 and a total of 530 was delivered. Most operational units employed one or two, but the type was notable for introducing jet training before qualification.
Service Training 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 14, 16, 19, 20, 23, 25, 28, 32, 33, 34, 41, 43, 45, 54, 56, 60, 63, 65, 66, 67, 71, 73, 74, 79, 80, 89, 92, 93, 94, 97, 98, 111, 112, 118, 125, 130, 141, 142, 145, 151, 167, 213, 219, 222, 234, 245, 247, 249, 253, 257, 263, 266, 500, 502, 602, 603, 608; 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 211 FTS; 202, 205, 206, 208 AFS; 226, 228, 229, 233 OCU; 1, 2 ANS; 1 RS; AWOCU; CATCS; CFS; CGS; CNCS; FCS; FLS; FETS; FTU; FWS; IRS; ITS; RAFC Communications Ahlhorn, Bruggen, Butterworth, Celle, Church Fenton, Coltishall, Driffield, Duxford, Fassberg, Geilenkirchen, Gutersloh, Horsham St Faith, Jever, Laarbruch, Leuchars, Linton-on-Ouse, Middleton St George, Nicosia, Odiham, Oldenburg, Swinderby, Tengah, Waterbeach, Wattisham, Wunstorf SF; APC Butterworth; APS Sylt; 2TAF CS; 23, 25, 83 GCF; Levant CF; FECS; MCCS; MCS Other ETPS; RRE; SLAW

T Mk 11 XH304 at North Weald 1985

WZ456/29 of 208 AFS

Sea Vampire

The Sea Vampire (DH100) was the first jet aircraft operated by the Royal Navy and was a navalised version of the Vampire. The type was used in single-seat and two seat versions.

F Mark 10 The sole Mk 10 was the third prototype Mk I, LZ551, fitted with 40% extra flaps, long travel oleos and an arrestor hook. It made the first ever deck landings on HMS Ocean on 3 December 1945.
Service Trials 778

First jet landing - Sea Vampire F Mk 10 LZ551 alighting on HMS Ocean 3 December 1945 flown by Lt Cmdr E M Brown

F Mark 20 The Mk 20 was the production version of the Sea Vampire, being a navalised FB Mk 5 with the Goblin 2 engine. The wing was strengthened and the dive brakes and flaps enlarged to reduce landing speeds. The type was generally issued to second-line units for jet familiarisation, although armed with four 20mm cannon.
Service Training 702, 759, 764, 806 Utility 728, 771 Trials 700, 703, 787

F Mk 20 VV139/072 of 703 NAS

F Mark 21 The Mk 21 was another trials version, probably unique in concept. Three aircraft (TG286, VG701 and VT802) were fitted with strengthened fuselage for undercarriage-less trials on a rubberised deck. The trials were conducted at RAE Farnborough and then on HMS Warrior between 1949 and 1953.
Service Trials 703, 771

Trials aircraft VT793 landing on rubberised 'deck' at Farnborough

T Mark 22 The DH115 Mk 22 was the equivalent of the RAF's T Mk 11. It was similar in most respects, did not have an arrestor hook, but did have various minor equipment changes. The type served in the training and communications roles.
Service Training 702, 718, 727, 736, 750, 759, 764, 766, 802, 806, 808, 809, 831, 890, 891, 892, 893, 1831, 1832 Communications 781 Trials 700

T Mk 22 XG478/258FD of 764 NAS Ford

Specification and production

Mark	Role	Engine	Thrust	Weight lbs	Speed mph	Numbers
F1	Fighter	Goblin	2,700	10,480	540	170
II	Trials	Nene	4,500	11,000	570	3*
F3	Fighter	Goblin 2	3,100	11,970	531	117
IV	Trials	Nene I	4,500	11,000	570	1*
FB5	Fighter bomber	Goblin 2	3,100	12,360	535	473
FB6	Fighter bomber	Goblin 3	3,300	12,390	548	1
7	Fighter bomber	Goblin 3	3,300	not built
FB8	Fighter bomber	Ghost 2	4,400	13,000	570	1
FB9	Fighter bomber	Goblin 3	3,350	12,390	548	275
NF10	Night fighter	Goblin 3	3,350	13,100	538	78
NF(T)10	Trainer	Goblin 3	3,350	13,100	538	37+
T11	Trainer	Goblin 35	3,500	11,150	538	530
F10	Naval trials	Goblin 1	2,700	10,480	540	1 (F1 proto)
F20	Fighter	Goblin 2	3,000	12,660	526	18
F21	Trials	Goblin 2	3,000	12,500	525	3#
T22	Trainer	Goblin 35	3,500	11,150	538	73

Notes

* F1 conversions

+ NF 10 conversions

# F3 conversions

Further reading

Birtles, P J de Havilland Vampire, Venom and Sea Vixen Ian Allan, Shepperton, 1986

Levy, R and Ward, R de Havilland Vampire F1-T55 Osprey, 1973

Mason, F K de Havilland Vampire Mk 5 & 9, The (Profile 48) Profile Publications, Leatherhead, 1965

Watkins, D de Havilland Vampire: The Complete History Sutton, Stroud, 199