Can the DH Vampire experts on the board let me know as to how to differentiate between a F3 and an FB52 (a version built for the Indian Air Force. Memory fails me if this was an F5 Equiv or an F9 quiv)
We have a Vampire here locally with its serial number long gone or painted over.
How do we differenitate if its an F3 or an FB52? are there any visual cues externally?
Also where exactly would the dataplates be if it was a British Built aircraft?
By: Jagan - 12th April 2005 at 17:21
Syc and Alan,
We found out today that it is indeed a Mk III , confirmed by the stencils on the panels and ofcourse the unmistakable rounded wingtips. VV211 / VT-CXJ / HB546 .
It is indeed a historic airframe in the Indian Context, one of the only three F.3s inducted and probably the only survivor..
Thanks for your help!
Jagan
By: alvampman - 8th April 2005 at 14:40
The fuselage build plate is located within the cockpit. It is located on the side by your right knee if you sit in the cockpit.
If indeed you have VV211 the build number on this plate will be EEP424**.
English Electric used the fuselage build number as the aircrafts construction number.
If it turns out to be an Indian built Vampire it will have the prefix HAL
Alan
By: sycamore - 8th April 2005 at 11:46
vampire
Jagan,glad to help. VV211 was one of the first F3, sent so that the IAF could start jet experience before the prod. line started, so an historic a/c from that aspect. It is featured in the book ,photo on departure for India. The markings are further forward than normal starting at the boom/wing joint.As they were civil and mil, it may be worthwhile stripping it off bit by bit as it is an historic a/c.I have just spoken to a chap involved in restoration who suggests that it is better to `buff` down rather than use paint-stripper, like car restoration, otherwise, it may all come off.!!!!!!Syc
By: Jagan - 7th April 2005 at 22:38
Syc,
You got what our chaps are trying to do. VV211 / HB546 /VT-CXJ is the aircraft in question. The panels (about 3-4 of them) certainly carry VV211. But as you said, there is always scope of panels being interchanged. So will get to know tommorrow if the other identification points check out well.
I dont think there will be any paint stripping exercise, because I expect it has a dozen layers of silver paint on it 🙂
By: sycamore - 7th April 2005 at 21:52
vampire
Jagan, further to my last, 3 x Mk3`s were built at Preston by E.Electric,s/n VV209/10/11,as HB544/45/46, and ferried asVT-CXH/CXI/CXJ as well with `Chakra ` roundels in Nov,`48.Can`t tell if the fin markings were RAFor IAF.Careful paint stripping ,layer by layer might reveal the answer.Usually, you find that removeable panels also have the serials on the insides,although panels do occasionally get interchanged. Good Luck, Syc….
By: Jagan - 7th April 2005 at 18:03
Sycamore,
thanks. the tip on the Wing tips should be workable, I will ask our guys to look into it and revert back Asap. will also dig up waktins book.
cheers
Jagan
By: sycamore - 7th April 2005 at 17:28
Vampire
Jagan, an easy way to distinguish is to check the wing-tips. If they are`square-cut`, it is a -5/52; if rounded , giving 2 extra square-ft. of area, then Mk3. Engine in -3 is a Goblin 2, Goblin 3 in 5/52. You may find inside the nose top cowling the airframe numbers on the bulkhead.A book by David Watkins details all about Vamp history- ISBN1-84015-023-8. Other giveaways are the stores-lugs underside of the wing, 2 inboard of gear, one outboard for 5/52,as they were primarily `mud-movers`, not `fighters`..
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April 7, 2005 at 4:34 pm