DH Vampire
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DH Vampire
Hiya Guys n Gals,i was just wondering if any of you have any old photos or stories you can share concerning the DH Vampire,It was the first airframe i worked on,a t11 at St Albans colledge,and have loved them ever since.Many thanks.....Neil.
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I remember the fire section at Cosford being given an F5 a fair few years ago.
The look on their faces the first time they set light to it and discovered the fuselage was made of plywood and balsa, was a picture.
I did discover that the teleflex end fitting on the HP fuel cock was exactly the same as the missing airbrake fitting on the Slingsby Prefect I was re-building at the time. So although this was a sad end to a lovely aircraft, at least its demise gave new life to another aircraft. WE992 is still flying with Al Stacey at Keevil by the way (see the Air Cadet Gliding thread.
Dak
The look on their faces the first time they set light to it and discovered the fuselage was made of plywood and balsa, was a picture.
I did discover that the teleflex end fitting on the HP fuel cock was exactly the same as the missing airbrake fitting on the Slingsby Prefect I was re-building at the time. So although this was a sad end to a lovely aircraft, at least its demise gave new life to another aircraft. WE992 is still flying with Al Stacey at Keevil by the way (see the Air Cadet Gliding thread.
Dak
"Mildly" Eccentric Stardriver
I lived under the Vampire circuit at RAAF Pearce from age 11 to 17. One of the big factors leading to a career in aviation lasting 39 years. So yes, the Vampire has a place in my affections.
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Linton on Ouse '63 --far too long ago. But still quite recollective, especially the very nice young lady in the Three Tuns who I hope had a good life 
Last edited by jindabyne; 11th Jun 2011 at 00:02.
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Hello Mr Farley,
yup am fully aware of Google images,just thought somebody may have some old photos stashed away in a box some ware that they may like share.By the way,are you the Mr John Farley of Harrier fame.If so you have just made my day..
Regards.....Neil
yup am fully aware of Google images,just thought somebody may have some old photos stashed away in a box some ware that they may like share.By the way,are you the Mr John Farley of Harrier fame.If so you have just made my day.
.Regards.....Neil
NeilCP,
I have a fond memory of the Vampire. My one and only ride on an ejection seat was in a T11 at Shawbury. My flight included practice PARs for the radar trainees and I remember being surprised that I needed 45° of bank for a Rate 1 turn and that I didn't need to use the rudders.
I was also suitably impressed by the ejection seat briefing before the flight, being told that the seats were the same as in Valiants and that I would probably have a back injury if I had to use it. Sitting on a live seat for the first time certainly focuses the mind.
Yes, JF is "Mr. Harrier".
I have a fond memory of the Vampire. My one and only ride on an ejection seat was in a T11 at Shawbury. My flight included practice PARs for the radar trainees and I remember being surprised that I needed 45° of bank for a Rate 1 turn and that I didn't need to use the rudders.
I was also suitably impressed by the ejection seat briefing before the flight, being told that the seats were the same as in Valiants and that I would probably have a back injury if I had to use it. Sitting on a live seat for the first time certainly focuses the mind.
Yes, JF is "Mr. Harrier".
Vampire in the undershoot at Shawbury
When I was in UBAS (late 60s), I remember seeing a training film, that included a sequence of a T11 on approach at Shawbury, taken from the No. 2 close formation position. The final film cut away abruptly when the T11 was just short of the threshold.
The story at Shawbury was that the pilot was formating on the camera aircraft and therefore looking over his shoulder, more than he should have and as a consequence, touched down in a cloud of dust and gravel in the undershoot!
Has anyone seen the original clip, before it was edited?
The story at Shawbury was that the pilot was formating on the camera aircraft and therefore looking over his shoulder, more than he should have and as a consequence, touched down in a cloud of dust and gravel in the undershoot!
Has anyone seen the original clip, before it was edited?
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We had a T11 appear at work last year ,she was immaculate,i had the piss taken out of me big time by the rest of the guys as i was drooling lol.
the fuselage was made of plywood and balsa
I've only just noticed your comment. I get very strange looks from people when I tell them I flew in a wooden jet fighter!
being told that the seats were the same as in Valiants
The Vampire's was a single cartridge job that was rated at 120 kts/200ft.
I went on a trip in 1961 shooting GCAs at Sleap airfield. Looking up at break off there was just a load of grass because there was about five GCA approaches and not all of them used the runways.
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There was a big 24v battery on the Vampire and a Electrical Mechanic (Air) at Little Rissington changed one but forgot to secure the fixing bolts.
Bit before my time there, probably around '56, but apparently the pilot had a hell of a shock when he pulled out of a dive and the battery tried to escape through the nose.
Ah, National Service, how did the RAF survive us!
Bit before my time there, probably around '56, but apparently the pilot had a hell of a shock when he pulled out of a dive and the battery tried to escape through the nose.
Ah, National Service, how did the RAF survive us!
The last picture looks like a British version of the Mistel....
Last edited by Fareastdriver; 17th Jun 2011 at 14:44. Reason: My error pointed out. I meant to say Nene.