De Havilland DH.113 Vampire: Books - History and Deployment

The History of the de Havilland Vampire

The de Havilland Vampire, the second of the RAF's post-World War II jet fighters, initially served as an interceptor. It later took on roles as a day fighter and ground attack aircraft with the 2nd Tactical Air Force in Germany from 1948 to 1954 and the RAF's Middle and Far East Air Forces. Over its forty-six-year career, it achieved several significant milestones, including being the first jet fighter to cross the Atlantic, the first to land on an aircraft carrier, and the initial jet trainer for pilot qualification.

Beyond its contributions to the RAF in the 1940s and 1950s, the Vampire also served with the Fleet Air Arm and enjoyed international success, selling hundreds to air forces worldwide. During the 1950s, it formed the core of the RAF's night-fighter force, and from 1952 to 1967, it provided trained pilots for the RAF, Royal Navy, and foreign air forces.

This illustrated history, produced with the collaboration of the manufacturer, MoD, RAF, and other global air forces, delves into the Vampire's development and operational service. It combines narrative and technical insights with personal accounts from individuals associated with the aircraft. Comprehensive appendices offer technical specifications, production details, serial numbers, and export information.

De Havilland Vampire in Italian Service

The De Havilland DH.100 Vampire was the second jet engine fighter to be used in service in Great Britain and at the same time the first single-engine jet plane of the type mass-produced in the UK.
It was so internationally successfully that Italy also built it under license and its use marked the Italian post-war rebirth from 1948 to 1950 of both the national industry and the Aeronautica Militare Italiana, for whom the aircraft was the first jet engine fighter.

The volume is rich with black and white and color photographs, profiles and drawings.