DeHavilland Vampire, Venom, and Sea Vixen

Design of the Vampire began in 1941, its twin boom layout chosen to minimise the length of the jet tailpipe, and hence the power losses from the primitive jet engines then under development. The type entered squadron service in 1946, eventually equipping several Fighter Command first-line home defence squadrons. However, with the introduction of the FB5 the role of the Vampire changed from an interceptor fighter to a close-support ground attack fighter-bomber, and this variant became the most common in RAF service, many squadrons being stationed in Germany with the 2nd Tactical Air Force.
Produced as a successor to the Vampire, the Venom was a completely new design based around the superior Ghost engine, and received much praise for its excellent rate of climb and good manoeuvrability at high altitudes.
Both Vampire and Venom saw wide squadron service, and were adapted to night-fighter, trainer and naval versions. Their reliable all-round performance and capabilities attracted numerous overseas buyers, and some aircraft still serve with overseas air forces.
The third de Havilland twin-boom was the Sea Vixen: this was not only the Fleet Air Arm's first swept-wing two-seat all-weather fighter, but also Britain's first naval aircraft designed as an integrated weapons system, and the first to become fully operational armed with guided weapons.
Philip Birtles surveys the development of these twin-boom jet fighters, their squadron service, variants and overseas operators to produce a well-illustrated reference of three of the most significant British postwar military aircraft.
This book was first published in 1986 and statements made then were current. Many of these may well have been overtaken by subsequent events.


by Philip Birtles
Published by Ian Allan 1999 (of 1986 1st) 112pp profusely illustrated, appendices. 18x24 mint, including d/j.
No. 5 in the Postwar Military Aircraft series.





Note:
"Long" descriptions, where shown, may have been taken from the book's dust jacket notes, and as such are relevant to the date of publication (e.g. any references to "previously unpublished photographs" etc.) and not the present.

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