Mohave Vampire c. 1970s

Is Al Letcher still around?

T J

Al Letcher is one of the most genuinely decent people I have ever met and I have visited him a few times. He told me of the Vampire and Meteor, of doing films with Paul Mantz, stories of Bill Barnes and his mother Pancho (I once asked him if the stories about her were true and he just smiled and said ‘yeah, she sure was ugly!’). His Hunter was bought from Dunsfold for £350 (I think) and came with an almost new engine. He sold it to Al Hansen, who is another great guy, and he in turn sold it to someone ‘as seen’ as it had not flown in ages. They guy took it to Chino with minimal checks and crashed it on approach. Al also had helicopters and I have been lucky enough to fly in his Cobra, turbine Hiller and (my fave) the Huey. He also had tanks and told me one time I couldn’t leave as there were still toys to play with. A true gentleman.

Most of the Vampires were ex Canada in those days. Were they built in Britain or Canada?

Letcher also had a Meteor NF 11…which found some use in Hollywood. He later sold it to two friends who I believe also kept it at Mojave, Al Hansen and Archer Ward. It’s now at the Edwards Museum.
He also owned the Hunter seen in The Right Stuff.
I used to stop by Mojave in the late 70s-early 80s, FSI was very busy with Sabres, Super Sabers and Skyhawks. I’ll agree with everyone else, the UK jets were privately owned toys.

SJet:

Good Day!

True! I believe the photographer was showing the variety of a/c, to include WW II types in the area. There were 2 /3 more Vampires if diff stages of restoration, plus some other a/c converted into drones in the area. The poc in the area was a guy named W. McDonald. Included for your F-86 archives an F-86K FAH 1001 55-XXXX for now of the FAH surplus inventory. SPS base. c. Summer 2008. I like those NMF a/c with shark mouths!! Photo Oscar J. Elvir via FMAH.

FSI used Sabres as targets and as target tugs. Al Letcher’s Vampires never had anything to do with these activities.

Same airfield, different activity.

Sabrejet:

Not sure either as there is another in just dark green scheme. Also in the area some F-86s used for tow targets by USAF c. 80s.

‘tow targets’?

Private Mk.3 owned by Al Letcher; I think (John?) Martin also owned a Mojave Vampire? Both definitely not towed or towing however.