DE HAVILLAND VAMPIRE

DE HAVILLAND DH.100 VAMPIRE - The De Havilland Vampire was Britain's second jet fighter, designed during 1942 to Specification E.6/41 around a single 2,700 Ib st (1,226 kgp) H-l Goblin turbojet, with an armament of four 20-mm Hispano cannon. First of three De Havilland Vampire prototypes flown September 20, 1943, under code-name 'Spider Crab'. Production contracts placed with English Electric Co at Preston, for 120 on May 13, 1944, and 180 more on May 7, 1945; first production De Havilland Vampire F Mk I flown at Salmsbury April 20, 1945. Deliveries, initially to equip No 247 Sqn, began after end of war.

Max speed, 531 mph (854 km/h) at 17,500 ft (5,334 m). Initial climb, 4,200 ft/min (21.34 m/sec). Rangi, 730 nils (1,175 km) at 380 mph (611 km/h) at 30,000ft (9,150 m). Empty weight, 6,372 Ib (2,893 kg). Gross weight, 10,480 Ib (4,758 kg). Span, 40ft 0 in (12.20 m). Length, 30ft 9 in (9.37 m). Wing area, 266 sqft (24.71m2)