Difference between revisions of "Vampire F.B.5"

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{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = British jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = British jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other version
+
| and
−
| link = Vampire FB 52A
+
| usage = other versions
 +
| link-1 = Vampire FB 52A
 +
| link-2 = J28B
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
−
{{break}}
+
{{Break}}
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.33]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.33]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
<!--Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.-->
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
When using the Vampire, the first thing a pilot should know is that it is inferior in most aspects to its opposition, thus requiring constant vigilance and consciousness of weakness. The Vampire cannot reach the speeds a [[MiG-9]] or an [[F2H-2]] can, it cannot accelerate as well as many of its counterparts and it is appalling in a dive against most of its opponents. So, essentially, the "Vamp" cannot climb well, it can't catch many jets in a straight line and it can't out-accelerate much of its opposition. However, the Vampire has one impressive advantage against its jet-powered opponents: it can turn incredibly well. In fact, a good analogy to flying the Vampire is fighting jets in propeller aircraft.
+
When using the Vampire, the first thing a pilot should know is that it is inferior in most aspects to its opposition, thus requiring constant vigilance and consciousness of weakness. The Vampire cannot reach the speeds a [[MiG-9 (l)]] or an [[F2H-2]] can, it cannot accelerate as well as many of its counterparts and it is appalling in a dive against most of its opponents. So, essentially, the "Vamp" cannot climb well, it can't catch many jets in a straight line and it can't out-accelerate much of its opposition. However, the Vampire has one impressive advantage against its jet-powered opponents: it can turn incredibly well. In fact, a good analogy to flying the Vampire is fighting jets in propeller aircraft.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,572 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,572 m)
Line 27: Line 30:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| 817 || 792 || rowspan="2" |10668|| 25.0 || 25.7 || 16.1 || 15.1 || rowspan="2" | 650
+
| 817 || 792 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 25.0 || 25.7 || 16.1 || 15.1 || rowspan="2" | 650
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
Line 34: Line 37:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="6" | Features
 
! colspan="6" | Features
Line 45: Line 48:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
Line 56: Line 59:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
|880||375|| 520 || 520 || 300 || ~10 || ~5
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 520 || 520 || 300 || ~10 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 108: Line 111:
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
  
−
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armored windscreen
+
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
−
* 12.7 mm Steel  - Armor plate behind the pilot's head
+
* 12.7 mm Steel  - Armour plate behind the pilot's head
−
* 3 mm Steel - Armor plate under the engine
+
* 3 mm Steel - Armour plate under the engine
  
−
The Vampire provides adequate protection to the pilot, as well as some armour under the engine. As with most jets, damage to the wings or fuselage greatly hampers flight performance, decreasing top speed and manoeuvrability. There are quite a few fuel tanks located in this plane's wings, so fuel fires may be common, especially when taking a high fuel loadout.
+
The Vampire provides adequate protection to the pilot, as well as some armour under the engine. As with most jets, damage to the wings or fuselage greatly hampers flight performance, decreasing top speed and manoeuvrability. There are quite a few fuel tanks located in this plane's wings, so fuel fires may be common, especially when taking a high fuel loadout.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
Line 125: Line 128:
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|G.P. 1,000 lb Mk.I (1,000 lb)|RP-3}}
+
{{main|G.P. Mk.I (1,000 lb)|RP-3}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
−
* 2 x 1,000 lb G.P. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
−
* 8 x 76 mm RP-3 rockets
+
* 8 x RP-3 rockets
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!--Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).-->The Vampire is well-known for its ability to turn on a dime, but its incredible manoeuvrability also means that it has poor manoeuvring energy retention. Climbing is important for this plane, as is careful airspeed maintenance. When in a battle situation, it is advisable to always stay above 400 km/h; any slower, and the Vampire will greatly struggle to evade enemy fire.
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
The Vampire is well-known for its ability to turn on a dime, but its incredible manoeuvrability also means that it has poor manoeuvring energy retention. Climbing is important for this plane, as is careful airspeed maintenance. When in a battle situation, it is advisable to always stay above 400 km/h; any slower, and the Vampire will greatly struggle to evade enemy fire.
  
−
If the Vampire is able to keep its energy, it becomes one of the best dogfighters at this rank. It can outturn nearly every other jet of its tier, and has a powerful engine to boot. Thanks to its great manoeuvrability, it is often quite easy to line up a shot against the enemy. One common tactic is to try luring the enemy into a turnfight. The Vampire will almost always come out on top. However, never commit to a dogfight if there are multiple enemies nearby. Turning will cause the Vampire's airspeed to fall dramatically, at which point enemies can easily swoop in and destroy it.
+
If the Vampire is able to keep its energy, it becomes one of the best dogfighters at this rank. It can outturn nearly every other jet of its tier, and has a powerful engine to boot. Thanks to its great manoeuvrability, it is often quite easy to line up a shot against the enemy. One common tactic is to try luring the enemy into a turnfight. The Vampire will almost always come out on top. However, never commit to a dogfight if there are multiple enemies nearby. Turning will cause the Vampire's airspeed to fall dramatically, at which point enemies can easily swoop in and destroy it.
  
−
It is valuable to note that the Vampire has a low top speed for a jet, at only ~880 km/h. It also tends to compress as higher speeds. The Vampire may have difficulty in chasing down a faster enemy. Also note that firing the main cannon armament causes a downward recoil.
+
It is valuable to note that the Vampire has a low top speed for a jet, at only ~880 km/h. It also tends to compress as higher speeds. The Vampire may have difficulty in chasing down a faster enemy. Also note that firing the main cannon armament causes a downward recoil.
  
 
For attacking ground targets, the Vampire can be equipped with either bombs or rockets.
 
For attacking ground targets, the Vampire can be equipped with either bombs or rockets.
  
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
=== Modules ===
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 
−
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
−
|-
 
−
! Oil
 
−
! Water
 
−
! Type
 
−
|-
 
−
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Combined || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>1 gear || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
===Modules===
 
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
+
! Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
+
! Survivability
 
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
Line 199: Line 184:
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!-- ''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
Line 216: Line 201:
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
  
 
=== In-game description ===
 
=== In-game description ===
Line 223: Line 208:
 
Preliminary flight testing in September 1943 proved to be a success, with modifications made to the rudder to reduce drag and increase stability. The third prototype aircraft was also fitted with the planned standard armament of four 20mm Hispano cannon. In May 1944 an order for 120 aircraft was placed, and the first production Vampire F.Mk.I made its maiden flight in April 1945; the Vampire briefly held the record as the fastest British jet fighter with a top speed of 540 mph. No.247 Squadron was the first unit to be equipped with the Vampire in March 1946, shortly followed by No.54 and No.72 Squadrons to form the first Vampire Wing at RAF Chilbolton. In 1948 Vampires were employed by the 2nd Tactical Air Force based in Germany. A specially modified Vampire again hit the record books when it achieved a world altitude record of 59,446 feet.
 
Preliminary flight testing in September 1943 proved to be a success, with modifications made to the rudder to reduce drag and increase stability. The third prototype aircraft was also fitted with the planned standard armament of four 20mm Hispano cannon. In May 1944 an order for 120 aircraft was placed, and the first production Vampire F.Mk.I made its maiden flight in April 1945; the Vampire briefly held the record as the fastest British jet fighter with a top speed of 540 mph. No.247 Squadron was the first unit to be equipped with the Vampire in March 1946, shortly followed by No.54 and No.72 Squadrons to form the first Vampire Wing at RAF Chilbolton. In 1948 Vampires were employed by the 2nd Tactical Air Force based in Germany. A specially modified Vampire again hit the record books when it achieved a world altitude record of 59,446 feet.
  
−
1948 also saw the first testing of the FB.Mk.5. This was initially a modified Vampire F.3 with a strengthened and clipped wing, increased armor and greater ground clearance for the carrying of external ordnance. This fighter-bomber variant of the Vampire was capable of carrying up to 2000 lbs of bombs or 60 lb rockets, and went on to equip 40 squadrons within the RAF as well as being the first RAF jets to operate in the Far East. The Vampire FB.Mk.5 was used operationally in ground attack missions against insurgents in Malaya until it was replaced by the Venom in 1953. The FB.Mk.5 was also used as the basis for the Royal Navy’s Sea Vampire F.Mk.20 which, fitted with an arrestor hook, long travel landing gear and larger wing flaps, entered service with the Fleet Air Arm in June 1949. A popular export fighter, just under 3300 Vampires were built - many under license overseas.
+
1948 also saw the first testing of the FB.Mk.5. This was initially a modified Vampire F.3 with a strengthened and clipped wing, increased armour and greater ground clearance for the carrying of external ordnance. This fighter-bomber variant of the Vampire was capable of carrying up to 2000 lbs of bombs or 60 lb rockets, and went on to equip 40 squadrons within the RAF as well as being the first RAF jets to operate in the Far East. The Vampire FB.Mk.5 was used operationally in ground attack missions against insurgents in Malaya until it was replaced by the Venom in 1953. The FB.Mk.5 was also used as the basis for the Royal Navy's Sea Vampire F.Mk.20 which, fitted with an arrestor hook, long travel landing gear and larger wing flaps, entered service with the Fleet Air Arm in June 1949. A popular export fighter, just under 3300 Vampires were built - many under license overseas.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!--Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.-->
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
{{Youtube-gallery|rpvKhy22Erc|'''The Shooting Range #85''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 08:59 discusses the Vampire FB 5.}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|rpvKhy22Erc|'''The Shooting Range #85''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 08:59 discusses the Vampire FB 5.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
−
 
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
Line 237: Line 221:
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
−
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''

Revision as of 17:52, 21 June 2020

Rank VI Israel | Premium | Golden Eagles
Merkava Mk.2D Pack
Vampire F.B.5
vampire_fb5.png
Vampire F.B.5
Britain flag.png Britain
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
7.7 8.0 7.7
Class:
Research:95 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:270 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the British jet fighter Vampire F.B.5. For other versions, see Vampire FB 52A and J28B.

Description

GarageImage Vampire F.B.5.jpg


The Vampire F.B.5 is a rank V British jet fighter with a battle rating of 7.7 (AB/SB) and 8.0 (RB). It was introduced in Update 1.33.

General info

Flight performance

When using the Vampire, the first thing a pilot should know is that it is inferior in most aspects to its opposition, thus requiring constant vigilance and consciousness of weakness. The Vampire cannot reach the speeds a MiG-9 (l) or an F2H-2 can, it cannot accelerate as well as many of its counterparts and it is appalling in a dive against most of its opponents. So, essentially, the "Vamp" cannot climb well, it can't catch many jets in a straight line and it can't out-accelerate much of its opposition. However, the Vampire has one impressive advantage against its jet-powered opponents: it can turn incredibly well. In fact, a good analogy to flying the Vampire is fighting jets in propeller aircraft.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,572 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 817 792 10668 25.0 25.7 16.1 15.1 650
Upgraded 895 855 23.5 24.0 24.4 20.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
888 330 520 520 300 ~10 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 550 < 600 < 600 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Empty mass Wing loading (full fuel)
de Haviland Goblin II 1 3,385 kg 190 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 11m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 39m fuel
705 kg Centrifugal-flow turbojet 3,734 kg 4,014 kg 4,325 kg 4,605 kg 5,606 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
Condition 100% WEP 11m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 39m fuel MTOW
Stationary 1,290 kgf N/A 0.35 0.32 0.30 0.28 0.23
Optimal 1,290 kgf
(0 km/h) 		N/A 0.35 0.32 0.30 0.28 0.23

Survivability and armour

  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
  • 12.7 mm Steel - Armour plate behind the pilot's head
  • 3 mm Steel - Armour plate under the engine

The Vampire provides adequate protection to the pilot, as well as some armour under the engine. As with most jets, damage to the wings or fuselage greatly hampers flight performance, decreasing top speed and manoeuvrability. There are quite a few fuel tanks located in this plane's wings, so fuel fires may be common, especially when taking a high fuel loadout.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)

The Vampire F.B.5 is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, chin-mounted (150 rpg = 600 total)

Suspended armament

Main articles: G.P. Mk.I (1,000 lb), RP-3

The Vampire F.B.5 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 8 x RP-3 rockets

Usage in battles

The Vampire is well-known for its ability to turn on a dime, but its incredible manoeuvrability also means that it has poor manoeuvring energy retention. Climbing is important for this plane, as is careful airspeed maintenance. When in a battle situation, it is advisable to always stay above 400 km/h; any slower, and the Vampire will greatly struggle to evade enemy fire.

If the Vampire is able to keep its energy, it becomes one of the best dogfighters at this rank. It can outturn nearly every other jet of its tier, and has a powerful engine to boot. Thanks to its great manoeuvrability, it is often quite easy to line up a shot against the enemy. One common tactic is to try luring the enemy into a turnfight. The Vampire will almost always come out on top. However, never commit to a dogfight if there are multiple enemies nearby. Turning will cause the Vampire's airspeed to fall dramatically, at which point enemies can easily swoop in and destroy it.

It is valuable to note that the Vampire has a low top speed for a jet, at only ~880 km/h. It also tends to compress as higher speeds. The Vampire may have difficulty in chasing down a faster enemy. Also note that firing the main cannon armament causes a downward recoil.

For attacking ground targets, the Vampire can be equipped with either bombs or rockets.

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Offensive 20 mm
II Compressor Airframe GLBC mk.3
III Wings repair Engine New 20 mm cannons
IV G-suit Cover GRC mk.8

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful armament
  • Great manoeuvrability
  • Decent payload options
  • Good cockpit visibility
  • Good at gliding without engine power

Cons:

  • Low top speed and acceleration
  • Weapon create significant recoil
  • Poor dive rate

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

In-game description

The de Havilland DH.100 Vampire was a single engine jet fighter which entered service with the RAF in 1946. Designed to Air Ministry specification F.6/41, the demand was for a fighter with a maximum speed in excess of 500 mph and a combat radius of at least 300 miles. The twin tail boom layout design allowed a short tailpipe from the powerplant, a de Havilland Goblin centrifugal turbojet. This limited the loss of thrust and reduced overall weight. Also of note in the design was the use of plywood and balsa wood in the construction of the cockpit section; de Havilland already had experience of using wood in the construction of high performance aircraft.

Preliminary flight testing in September 1943 proved to be a success, with modifications made to the rudder to reduce drag and increase stability. The third prototype aircraft was also fitted with the planned standard armament of four 20mm Hispano cannon. In May 1944 an order for 120 aircraft was placed, and the first production Vampire F.Mk.I made its maiden flight in April 1945; the Vampire briefly held the record as the fastest British jet fighter with a top speed of 540 mph. No.247 Squadron was the first unit to be equipped with the Vampire in March 1946, shortly followed by No.54 and No.72 Squadrons to form the first Vampire Wing at RAF Chilbolton. In 1948 Vampires were employed by the 2nd Tactical Air Force based in Germany. A specially modified Vampire again hit the record books when it achieved a world altitude record of 59,446 feet.

1948 also saw the first testing of the FB.Mk.5. This was initially a modified Vampire F.3 with a strengthened and clipped wing, increased armour and greater ground clearance for the carrying of external ordnance. This fighter-bomber variant of the Vampire was capable of carrying up to 2000 lbs of bombs or 60 lb rockets, and went on to equip 40 squadrons within the RAF as well as being the first RAF jets to operate in the Far East. The Vampire FB.Mk.5 was used operationally in ground attack missions against insurgents in Malaya until it was replaced by the Venom in 1953. The FB.Mk.5 was also used as the basis for the Royal Navy's Sea Vampire F.Mk.20 which, fitted with an arrestor hook, long travel landing gear and larger wing flaps, entered service with the Fleet Air Arm in June 1949. A popular export fighter, just under 3300 Vampires were built - many under license overseas.

Media

The Shooting Range #85 - Pages of History section at 08:59 discusses the Vampire FB 5.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • other literature.


De Havilland Aircraft Company Limited
Fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Hornet Mk.III · Mosquito FB Mk VI · Mosquito FB Mk XVIII
Jet fighters  Vampire F.B.5 · Venom FB.4 · Sea Venom FAW 20 · Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2
Export  ␗Mosquito FB.Mk.26 · ▄Vampire FB 52A(Italy) · ▄Vampire FB 52A(Finland) · A28B

Britain jet aircraft
Blackburn  Buccaneer S.1 · Buccaneer S.2 · Buccaneer S.2B
British Aerospace  Harrier GR.7 · Sea Harrier FRS.1 (e) · Sea Harrier FRS.1
British Aircraft Corporation  Strikemaster Mk.88
English Electric  Canberra B Mk 2 · Canberra B (I) Mk 6 · Lightning F.6 · Lightning F.53
Gloster  Meteor F Mk 3 · Sea Meteor F Mk 3 · Meteor F Mk 4 G.41F · Meteor F Mk 4 G.41G · Meteor F Mk 8 G.41K · Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper
  Javelin F.(A.W.) Mk.9
de Havilland  Vampire F.B.5 · Venom FB.4 · Sea Venom FAW 20 · Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2
Hawker  Sea Hawk FGA.6 · Hunter F.1 · Hunter F.6 · Hunter FGA.9 · Harrier GR.1 · Harrier GR.3
Panavia  Tornado GR.1 · Tornado F.3
SEPECAT  Jaguar GR.1 · Jaguar GR.1A · Jaguar IS
Supermarine  Attacker FB 1 · Attacker FB.2 · Scimitar F Mk.1 · Swift F.1 · Swift F.7
Foreign  Phantom FG.1 (USA) · Phantom FGR.2 (USA) · F-4J(UK) Phantom II (USA)
  JAS39C (Sweden)

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