de Havilland DH-100 Vampire

The RCAF's introduction to the jet age came in the form of the de Havilland Vampire. To seasoned Spitfire and Hurricane pilots, the Aircraft took some getting used to; after all, it didn't have a propeller!
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The RCAF's first operational jet was the de Havilland Vampire. With a top speed of about 550 mph, the "Vamp" was a great little toy for the fighter jocks.
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The Vampire was the RCAF's first jet fighter to serve in any great number ( 86 of them), flying from 1946 to 1958. The Vampire seen here, 17021, served with 402 and 438 Squadrons before being struck off strength on March 4, 1958.
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First flown on 17 January 1948, the Vampire was an instant favourite with pilots. The Aircraft was very compact and felt as if it was built around you.
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