De Havilland Sea Vampire
F20, F21 Fighters & T22 Trainer
On 3rd December 1945 a converted RAF Vampire I made the first landing by a jet aircraft on a carrier (HMS Ocean). As a result of these trials the RN ordered an navalised fighter based on the Vampire FB5. The poor acceleration of the turbojet made carrier take-offs difficult so it served mainly in training roles, giving FAA pilots jet experience. The first F20 flew in October 1948 and the last had been delivered by June 1949.
Several Vampires were modified as F21s which had reinforced undersides for "flexi-deck" landing trials. This involved the undercarriageless aircraft bouncing down onto the rubberised flight-deck of HMS Warrior. Although the trials were a success, the idea did not catch on. The Sea Vampire served in a purely training role as the T22 into the 1950's.
A total of 30 F20 were ordered but it is believed that only 18 were delivered, likewise different sources give 2 or 6 as the number of F21 conversions.
(Sea Vampire F20)
Dimensions: Span 11.58 m (38ft) ; Length 9.37 m (30ft 9in) ; Height 1.91 m (6ft 3in) ; Wing Area 24.34 sq.m (262 sq.ft)
Weights: Empty 3458 kg (7,623 lb) ; Maximum Take-off 5743 kg (12,660 lb)
Powerplant: one De Havilland Goblin Mk 2 turbojet - 1406 kg (3,000 lb) thrust.
Performance: Maximum speed at sea level 526 mph (847 kph, 457 kt) ; Service ceiling 40,000 ft (12192 m)
Armament: 4 20 mm cannon