The de Havilland jet is due for a much needed ‘re-Vamp’…

A de Havilland Vampire on display in New South Wales is being repaired following years of exposure to the elements.

Former RAAF Vampire F.30 A79-109 crash-landed close to the town of Forbes in February 1951 and was deemed uneconomical to repair. After years of use as an instructional airframe at RAAF Wagga Wagga it was acquired by Forbes Shire Council and erected on a pole in 1971.

The exhibit has understandably deteriorated in the decades since its unveiling, but the council has now opted to fund a substantial refurbishment. Once structural and cosmetic issues have been addressed, the jet will be returned to display in the town; the council describes it as “an iconic tourism attraction”. With thanks to Phil Buckley