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Vampire
14 archive reports

The de Havilland Vampire was developed during World War II, but did not enter Royal Air Force (RAF) service or see combat until after the war ended.

Key Facts

• Development: Began in 1941 (originally codenamed "Spider Crab") by the de Havilland Aircraft Company.
• First Flight: The prototype first flew on September 20, 1943.
• Production Order: Finalized in May 1944 as a single-engine jet interceptor.
• Service Entry: Entered operational service with the RAF in 1946, shortly after WWII concluded.
• Significance: It was the second jet fighter to enter RAF service (after the Gloster Meteor) and the RAF's first single-engined jet.
• Design: Featured a composite wood-and-metal pod fuselage with a distinctive twin-boom tail and a de Havilland Goblin turbojet 

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