DH100 Vampire Mk.I "Jet Guardians of Neutrality"

The development of a jet fighter, later named Vampire, began in 1941 and was closely linked to the development of the de Havilland H-1 jet engine.
The engine later became known by its new name, Goblin, and its development proved very successful.
The Vampire was therefore ordered under Air Ministry specification E.6/41, which called for an experimental aircraft that could be converted into a fighter.
The design of the aircraft was completely adapted to the new engine.
As a result, the overall dimensions of the aircraft were very small, the running gear was very low and the tail surfaces were supported by two slender tail booms.
Unlike later versions of the aircraft, the wings had rounded tips.
The first prototype, unofficially named Spider Crab, flew for the first time on 20 September 1943 with G. de Havilland Jr. at the controls.
The trials were a success and in May 1944 an order was placed for 120 aircraft, which was steadily increased.
The production aircraft were also built under licence by English Electric, as de Havilland was far too busy producing the Mosquito.
However, the original name Spider Crab was rejected by the RAF and changed to Vampire Mk.I.

The first operational squadrons received their Vampires in May 1945 - not soon enough to take part in the war.
The development continued with, besides those with the DH Goblin engine, there were also versions with the Nene engine (Airfames were built in Australia), two-seat night fighter versions, two-seat training versions or even naval versions.

The Vampire Mk.I was also the first jet aircraft to be used by two neutral countries, Sweden and Switzerland.

Plastic model kit

Scale 1:72

unbuilt / unpainted