… scrapped Hornets and Sea Hornets in the UK?

Hornet fuselages survived in UK scrapyards until the late 60’s/early 70’s.

A wing from a PR.22 survived in a UK scrapyard until 1980!

I recall someone on the forum mentioning the name “Trenchard” before, though i cannot see that being the name for such a beautiful aircraft, as most aircraft in the RAF have names that either relate to meterological conditions ie “lightning, tornado, hurricane typhoon” or a name that pertains to winning ie victor, valiant im sure there are others but those are the only ones that spring to mind

At the time other projects developed with the French took on animal names, ie. puma, jaguar, etc.

As you say, there was a couple of definite themes running through British names. BAC was an amalgamation of English Electric (who had designed the Canberra and Lightning), Bristol Aeroplane Company, Vickers Amstrong (Valiant).

So it is a strong possibility that a name in the series of: Lightning, Tornado, … Typhoon, would have been chosen?

… Imagine my suprise when looking through this thread and seeing a photo of myself at Hendon! I guess I cannot be held responsible for actually taking the photo then, as there is proof I was the wrong side of the camera. 😀

NZ Vampire F.1 survivor?

Could you elaborate on this comment? If true, I may have more info.

I have read of the remains of a Vampire F.1 TG443 located at Mapua in New Zealand, held by John Smith. The photo shown taken in the 80’s possibly shows the cockpit from this aircraft.

From the nz-serials.adf-serials website:

“Previously TG443 with RAF. Used as experimental aircraft in United Kingdom during 1948 when fitted with a DH Goblin 3 motro and a high speed metal canopy. Became instructional airframe 7072M in May 1953. Damaged in June 1953 and reconditioned before being stored. Prepared for shipment to New Zealand on 16 May 1955 and BOC with RNZAF 09 August 1955 as INST166 at No.1 TTS Hobsonville. Transferred to No. 4 TTS Woodbourne 02 April 1958. Reduced to spares 05 February 1960. Fuselage stored at Mapua.”

Hi Roger

the canopies were changed on the production line after (I think) the first 60 aircraft. Some of these early ones were then modified in service.

The F.1 test aircraft still in existence are examples of this modification in service. The three test/trials aircraft I know of are the stored Canadian one, the second prototype at Yeovilton, and possibly one in New Zealand.

Hello Scorpion89

The most internationally complete published list of surviving vampires can be found in the Warpaint series book on the Vampire.

Cockpit interior reference

It would be interesting to see a reference book or website showing good photos of all historic military aircraft interiors and flying controls listed by type showing:

Instrument panels
Control column
Throttle
Rudder pedals
GGS
Seat

Original pilots notes are a good reference, but a modern detailed reproduction in colour that collected many types together would be really interesting. What are peoples thoughts here?