The plane underwent rapid development and equipped many RAF squadrons at home and abroad primarily in the fighter-bomber role. In this it was highly capable, being small, agile, relatively fast and yet able to carry bombs or rocket projectiles as well as 20 mm cannons. Many foreign air forces were equipped with the Vampire fighter, including Canada, France, Italy and Switzerland.

In the early fifties, de Havilland produced a two-seat, night-fighter version, the NF.10. These formed the backbone of the RAF’s night-fighter force until the NF.11 variant of the Meteor came into service. The NF.10 was also produced as a dual-control trainer, the T.11. The Vampire Trainer became one of the most widely used jet trainers, continuing in service until well into the 1980's. As an advanced trainer, it bridged the gap between propellor-driven basic trainers and the new front-line jets, like the Hawker Hunter. It was also ably suited for converting WWII fighter pilots to jets. Overall, it had no vices, although small it was agile and powerful enough to introduce pilots to air compressibility.

Technical Details
The Vampire FB.6 was designed as a fighter-bomber. It carried a crew of one, although other variants carried two. It was powered by the 14.91kN de Havilland Goblin 3 jet engine mounted immediately behind the pilot. Its maximum speed was 548 mph (882km/h), with a ceiling of 42,800 ft (13045 m) with a fully pressurized cabin. Range was 1217 mi (1960 km). True to its name the Vampire carried a nasty bite with four 20 mm cannons in the nose and was capable of carrying 2,000 lb (907 kg) of bombs or eight 60 lb rocket projectiles on the wings.

Canadian Aces Home Page

Image From:
Courtesy of the Canadian National Aviation Museum
Details From:
The History of Military Aircraft
The Military Aircraft Database by Emmanuel Gustin.