The Vampire's unique twin-boom layout was chosento keep the jet pipe as short and efficient as possible. Altough the prototype first flew in September 1943, the aircraft did not enter the service until after the war. It saw limited service with Fighter Command and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, but was used more widely by squadrons based overseas until replaced by De Havilland Venoms. The later Vampire marks served as hacks, advanced trainers and target tugs after retirement from front-line units. The NF.Mk 10, a two seat, radar equipped night fighter, originally designed for export, saw limited RAF service. The Vampire T.Mk 11 was the RAF's standard advanced trainer from 1952 until the introduction of the Gnat in the early 1960s.
SPECIFICATION: De Havilland Vampire FB.Mk 9 single-seat fighter bomber
SPAN: 12.19m (40ft)
LENGTH: 9.37m (30ft 9in)
POWERPLANT: De Havilland Goblin, 3,350lbst
ARMAMENT: 4x20mm cannon in nose, plus bombs or rockets underwing
MAXIMUM SPEED: 540mph at 20,000ft
OPERATIONAL RANGE: 730 miles
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