Destination's Journey

Tag: Air Force

  • de Havilland Sea Vampire

    de Havilland Sea Vampire

    de Havilland Sea Vampire

    With the development of jet aircraft, the Royal Navy was keen to evaluate their suitability for operation from aircraft carriers. As a result, the third de Havilland Vampire prototype LZ551/G was modified with 40% extra flaps, long travel oleos and an arrestor hook to become prototype Sea Vampire F.10.  This aircraft became the first jet to make a deck landing and take-off from an aircraft carrier (from HMS Ocean) on the 3rd December 1945. It was flown by Lt Cdr Eric “Winkle” Brown. 

    Despite the success of this trial, there were still many misgivings about the suitability of operating jet aircraft routinely from carriers, particularly concerning landing speed and operational range. As a possible solution an experimental flexible “rubber” deck was proposed, whereby jets would not require undercarriage. A reinforced fuselage and the removal of undercarriage allowed the aircraft to belly land on a rubber deck. This would extend range by allowing more fuel to be carried.

    Six aircraft were converted from Vampire F.3s for the trial work as the Sea Vampire Mk 21.  The prototypes were fitted with a strengthened fuselage for undercarriage-less trials on the rubberised deck.  The trials were conducted at RAE Farnborough and then on HMS Warrior between 1949 and 1953.  Despite the significant effort towards developing this idea it was found to be an unnecessary concept following the introduction of angled flight decks

    The main Sea Vampire variant was the F.20, which although armed with four 20mm cannon was used mainly by training units for familiarization with jet aircraft. A total of 20 were built (including two prototypes).

    The Sea Vampire T.22 of which 73 were built was similar to the land based T.11 but built for the Royal Navy. It was not navalised and was not fitted with an arrestor hook.

    HMS Illustrious

    Testing the mirror landing system in 1954 with a Sea Vampire on HMS Illustrious
    Testing the mirror landing system in 1954 with a Sea Vampire on HMS Illustrious

    HMS Ocean

    First jet to land a carrier, de Havilland Sea Vampire on HMS Ocean
    First jet to land a carrier, de Havilland Sea Vampire on HMS Ocean
    de Havilland Vampire landing on HMS Ocean.
    de Havilland Vampire landing on HMS Ocean.
    De Havilland Sea Vampire and Captain Brown
    De Havilland Sea Vampire and Captain Brown
    De Havilland Sea Vampire Mk.10 takes off from HMS Ocean, 3 December 1945
    De Havilland Sea Vampire Mk.10 takes off from HMS Ocean, 3 December 1945
    Winkle Brown and the DH.100 Sea Vampire fly past HMS Ocean.
    Winkle Brown and the DH.100 Sea Vampire fly past HMS Ocean.

    HMS Perseus

    HMS Perseus during a catapult test with an Avenger, Sea Fury and Short Sturgeon at the stern with 2 Sea Hornets on the catapult
    HMS Perseus during a catapult test with an Avenger, Sea Fury and Short Sturgeon at the stern with 2 Sea Hornets on the catapult

    HMS Theseus

    de Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 on HMS Theseus
    de Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 on HMS Theseus

    HMS Vengeance

    de Havilland Sea Vampire landing on HMS Vengeance (R71) in 1951
    de Havilland Sea Vampire landing on HMS Vengeance (R71) in 1951

    HMS Warrior

    de Havilland Sea Vampire landing on flexible flight deck on HMS Warrior
    de Havilland Sea Vampire landing on flexible flight deck on HMS Warrior
    de Havilland Sea Vampire landing on flexible flight deck on HMS Warrior
    de Havilland Sea Vampire landing on flexible flight deck on HMS Warrior
    de Havilland Sea Vampire after landing on flexible flight deck on HMS Warrior
    de Havilland Sea Vampire after landing on flexible flight deck on HMS Warrior
    de Havilland Sea Vampire being maneuvered on the flexible flight deck on HMS Warrior
    de Havilland Sea Vampire being maneuvered on the flexible flight deck on HMS Warrior

    Miscellaneous Sea Vampire Photos

    De Havilland Sea Vampire 2nd prototype LZ551/G
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.10 converted from the Vampire prototype LZ551/G
    de Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 VV149
    de Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 VV149
    de Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 VV149
    de Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 VV149
    De Havilland Sea Vampire
    De Havilland Sea Vampire
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 2 TG278 Oct 1945 at Heston
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 2 TG278 Oct 1945 at Heston
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 2 TG278 Oct 1945 at Heston
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 2 TG278 Oct 1945 at Heston
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 2 TG278 Oct 1945 at Heston
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 2 TG278 Oct 1945 at Heston
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 2 Oct 1945
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 2 Oct 1945
    Admiral of the Fleet Lord Cunningham inspecting a de Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 at Heston 2 Oct 1945 shown to him by Captain G H Willoughby, RN
    Admiral of the Fleet Lord Cunningham inspecting a de Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 at Heston 2 Oct 1945 shown to him by Captain G H Willoughby, RN
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 TG314
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 TG314
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 TG314
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 TG314
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 VF315
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 VF315
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 VF315
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 VF315
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 VV139 Oct 1948
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 VV139 Oct 1948
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 TG278 Oct 1945 at Heston
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 TG278 Oct 1945 at Heston
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 VV136 at Boscombe Down 1948
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 VV136 at Boscombe Down 1948
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 VV136 at Boscombe Down 1948
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.20 VV136 at Boscombe Down 1948
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.21 VG701 used in flexible deck landing trials
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F.21 VG701 used in flexible deck landing trials
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F 20
    De Havilland Sea Vampire F 20
    De Havilland Sea Vampire in flight over New York 1948
    De Havilland Sea Vampire in flight over New York 1948
    De Havilland Sea Vampire
    De Havilland Sea Vampire
    De Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 XA130
    De Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 XA130
  • de Havilland Sea Hornet

    de Havilland Sea Hornet

    de Havilland Sea Hornet

    The de Havilland Sea Hornet was a navalised version of the Hornet, which incorporated folding wings, fuselage strengthening to allow for the arrested landings and modified landing gear. A total of 79 Sea Hornet F.20s were built.

    A night fighter variant incorporated a second cockpit to the rear of the fuselage above the wing trailing edge. The radar operator faced aft under a clear bubble canopy that could be jettisoned in an emergency. The small rotating ASH radar dish was housed under an elongated “thimble” radome in the nose. Production of the Sea Hornet NF.21 came to 72.

    The Sea Hornet PR.22 of which 23 were built was a dedicated photo reconnaissance aircraft with the cannon armament removed. Three cameras were installed in the rear fuselage.

    Variants

    Aircraft Carriers

    Naval Air Squadrons

    Land Bases

    Other Operators

    Trial Units and Deployments

    Variants of the Sea Hornet

    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20

    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 Prototype during deck landing Trails on HMS Ocean (long range ship-borne fighter)
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 Prototype during deck landing Trails on HMS Ocean (long range ship-borne fighter)
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT189
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT189
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT189
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT189
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT189
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT189
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT193 Edmonton c1950
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT193 Edmonton c1950
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT189
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT189
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 prototype PX219
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 prototype PX219
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 prototype PX214
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 prototype PX214
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 prototype PX214
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 prototype PX214
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 prototype PX219
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 prototype PX219
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 prototype PX219
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 prototype PX219
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron unhooked and wings folded after landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron unhooked and wings folded after landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornets F.20s of 801 Squadron in the upper hanger HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornets F.20s of 801 Squadron in the upper hanger HMS Implacable
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s of No 728 Fleet Requirements Unit, Hal Far, Malta
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s of No 728 Fleet Requirements Unit, Hal Far, Malta
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 VZ715 being armed on board HMS Indomitable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 VZ715 being armed on board HMS Indomitable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 VZ708 of 801 Sqn from Implacable over Gibraltar
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 VZ708 of 801 Sqn from Implacable over Gibraltar
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 VR856 based at Hal Far Malta
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 VR856 based at Hal Far Malta
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 VR837 of 801 Sqn
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 VR837 of 801 Sqn
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT211
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT211
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT202
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT202
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT202
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT202
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT193 Edmonton c1950
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT193 Edmonton c1950
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT186
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT186
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 Prototype
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 Prototype
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of No 806 Squadron, piloted by Lieut Martin, flying over the Peace Bridge, Niagra. International Air Exhibition September 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of No 806 Squadron, piloted by Lieut Martin, flying over the Peace Bridge, Niagra. International Air Exhibition September 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of No 806 Squadron flying over Toronto Island. International Air Exhibition September 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of No 806 Squadron flying over Toronto Island. International Air Exhibition September 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s of No 801 Sqn photographed while based at RNAS Ford
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s of No 801 Sqn photographed while based at RNAS Ford
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 806 Naval Air Squadron flying over Niagara Falls. International Air Exhibition September 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 806 Naval Air Squadron flying over Niagara Falls. International Air Exhibition September 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron, then based at RNAS Ford, landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron, then based at RNAS Ford, landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 with No. 1 engine shutdown and the prop feathered
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 with No. 1 engine shutdown and the prop feathered
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s lining up to take off an aircraft carrier
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s lining up to take off an aircraft carrier
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 at Hal Far Malta 728 Sqn
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 at Hal Far Malta 728 Sqn
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron unhooked and wings folded after landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron unhooked and wings folded after landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT193
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT193
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT193 was sent to Edmonton, Alberta, for winter trials in 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT193 was sent to Edmonton, Alberta, for winter trials in 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT193 was sent to Edmonton, Alberta, for winter trials in 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT193 was sent to Edmonton, Alberta, for winter trials in 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT193 was sent to Edmonton, Alberta, for winter trials in 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT193 was sent to Edmonton, Alberta, for winter trials in 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s of 801 squadron ranged on deck HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s of 801 squadron ranged on deck HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1

    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21

    De Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 Prototype PX230
    De Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 Prototype PX230
    De Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 Prototype PX230
    De Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 Prototype PX230
    De Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 Prototype PX230
    De Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 Prototype PX230
    De Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VV430
    De Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VV430
    De Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 Prototype PX230
    De Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 Prototype PX230
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF 21 of No 809 NAS on HMS Vengeance
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF 21 of No 809 NAS on HMS Vengeance
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW967 displayed with wings folded at RNAS Stretton, Cheshire, in 1955
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW967 displayed with wings folded at RNAS Stretton, Cheshire, in 1955
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW957 of 809 Squadron April 1954 on HMS Eagle
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW957 of 809 Squadron April 1954 on HMS Eagle
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW955 of 809 Sqn based at RNAS Lee on Solent
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW955 of 809 Sqn based at RNAS Lee on Solent
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW949 of No 809 Squadron takes off from HMS Vengeance
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW949 of No 809 Squadron takes off from HMS Vengeance
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF21 VW967 of the Airwork FRU at St Davids making a flypast at RNAS Stretton, Cheshire, in 1955
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF21 VW967 of the Airwork FRU at St Davids making a flypast at RNAS Stretton, Cheshire, in 1955
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21s of 809 Sqn on HMS Eagle
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21s of 809 Sqn on HMS Eagle
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21s including VW957 481J of 809 Sqn on Gibraltar
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21s including VW957 481J of 809 Sqn on Gibraltar
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F2.0 and NF.21 aircraft of 809 Squadron on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable June 1952
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F2.0 and NF.21 aircraft of 809 Squadron on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable June 1952
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF 21 (in front) and Fairey Fireflies on the flight deck of HMS Vengeance May 1950
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF 21 (in front) and Fairey Fireflies on the flight deck of HMS Vengeance May 1950
    Crashed de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW960 on HMS Eagle
    Crashed de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW960 on HMS Eagle
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 cockpit
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 cockpit

    de Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22

    De Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 VW930
    De Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 VW930
    De Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 VW930
    De Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 VW930
    De Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 VW930
    De Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 VW930
    De Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 prototype TT187
    De Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 prototype TT187
    De Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 prototype TT187
    De Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 prototype TT187
    De Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 prototype TT187
    De Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 prototype TT187
    de Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 with folded wings
    de Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 with folded wings
    De Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 prototype TT187
    De Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 prototype TT187
    de Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 VZ655
    de Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 VZ655
    De Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 landing on HMS Indomitable in 1950
    De Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 landing on HMS Indomitable in 1950
    de Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22
    de Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22
    de Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 VZ663 being scrapped
    de Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 VZ663 being scrapped

    Sea Hornet Operations From Aircraft Carriers

    HMS Eagle

    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW957 of 809 Squadron April 1954 on HMS Eagle
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW957 of 809 Squadron April 1954 on HMS Eagle
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21s of 809 Sqn on HMS Eagle
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21s of 809 Sqn on HMS Eagle
    Crashed de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW960 on HMS Eagle
    Crashed de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW960 on HMS Eagle

    HMS Implacable

    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron, then based at RNAS Ford, landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron, then based at RNAS Ford, landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron unhooked and wings folded after landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron unhooked and wings folded after landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron unhooked and wings folded after landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron unhooked and wings folded after landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s of 801 squadron ranged on deck HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s of 801 squadron ranged on deck HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornets F.20s of 801 Squadron in the upper hanger HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornets F.20s of 801 Squadron in the upper hanger HMS Implacable

    HMS Indomitable

    De Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 landing on HMS Indomitable in 1950
    De Havilland Sea Hornet PR.22 landing on HMS Indomitable in 1950
    de Havilland Sea Hornet takes off from HMS Indomitable June 1952
    de Havilland Sea Hornet takes off from HMS Indomitable June 1952
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 VZ715 being armed on board HMS Indomitable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 VZ715 being armed on board HMS Indomitable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F2.0 and NF.21 aircraft of 809 Squadron on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable June 1952
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F2.0 and NF.21 aircraft of 809 Squadron on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable June 1952
    HMS Indomitable with a Sea Hornet on her flight deck
    HMS Indomitable with a Sea Hornet on her flight deck

    HMS Ocean

    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 Prototype during deck landing Trails on HMS Ocean (long range ship-borne fighter)
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 Prototype during deck landing Trails on HMS Ocean (long range ship-borne fighter)

    HMS Vengeance

    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF 21 of No 809 NAS on HMS Vengeance
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF 21 of No 809 NAS on HMS Vengeance
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF 21 (in front) and Fairey Fireflies on the flight deck of HMS Vengeance May 1950
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF 21 (in front) and Fairey Fireflies on the flight deck of HMS Vengeance May 1950

    Airwork Fleet Requirements Unit

    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF21 VW967 of the Airwork FRU at St Davids making a flypast at RNAS Stretton, Cheshire, in 1955
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF21 VW967 of the Airwork FRU at St Davids making a flypast at RNAS Stretton, Cheshire, in 1955

    728 Fleet Requirements Unit

    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s of No 728 Fleet Requirements Unit, Hal Far, Malta
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s of No 728 Fleet Requirements Unit, Hal Far, Malta
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 at Hal Far Malta 728 Sqn
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 at Hal Far Malta 728 Sqn

    801 Squadron

    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 VZ708 of 801 Sqn from Implacable over Gibraltar
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 VZ708 of 801 Sqn from Implacable over Gibraltar
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s of No 801 Sqn photographed while based at RNAS Ford
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s of No 801 Sqn photographed while based at RNAS Ford
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron, then based at RNAS Ford, landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron, then based at RNAS Ford, landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 VR837 of 801 Sqn
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 VR837 of 801 Sqn
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron unhooked and wings folded after landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron unhooked and wings folded after landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron unhooked and wings folded after landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron unhooked and wings folded after landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s of 801 squadron ranged on deck HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s of 801 squadron ranged on deck HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornets F.20s of 801 Squadron in the upper hanger HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornets F.20s of 801 Squadron in the upper hanger HMS Implacable

    806 Squadron

    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 806 Naval Air Squadron flying over Niagara Falls. International Air Exhibition September 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 806 Naval Air Squadron flying over Niagara Falls. International Air Exhibition September 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of No 806 Squadron flying over Toronto Island. International Air Exhibition September 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of No 806 Squadron flying over Toronto Island. International Air Exhibition September 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of No 806 Squadron, piloted by Lieut Martin, flying over the Peace Bridge, Niagra. International Air Exhibition September 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of No 806 Squadron, piloted by Lieut Martin, flying over the Peace Bridge, Niagra. International Air Exhibition September 1948

    809 Squadron

    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW957 of 809 Squadron April 1954 on HMS Eagle
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW957 of 809 Squadron April 1954 on HMS Eagle
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW949 of No 809 Squadron takes off from HMS Vengeance
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW949 of No 809 Squadron takes off from HMS Vengeance
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW955 of 809 Sqn based at RNAS Lee on Solent
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW955 of 809 Sqn based at RNAS Lee on Solent
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21s including VW957 481J of 809 Sqn on Gibraltar
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21s including VW957 481J of 809 Sqn on Gibraltar
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21s of 809 Sqn on HMS Eagle
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21s of 809 Sqn on HMS Eagle
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F2.0 and NF.21 aircraft of 809 Squadron on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable June 1952
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F2.0 and NF.21 aircraft of 809 Squadron on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable June 1952

    Sea Hornets at Land Bases

    Gibraltar (HMS Rooke)

    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21s including VW957 481J of 809 Sqn on Gibraltar
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21s including VW957 481J of 809 Sqn on Gibraltar
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 VZ708 of 801 Sqn from Implacable over Gibraltar
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 VZ708 of 801 Sqn from Implacable over Gibraltar

    Hal Far Malta

    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s of No 728 Fleet Requirements Unit, Hal Far, Malta
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s of No 728 Fleet Requirements Unit, Hal Far, Malta
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 VR856 based at Hal Far Malta
    De Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 VR856 based at Hal Far Malta
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 at Hal Far Malta 728 Sqn
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 at Hal Far Malta 728 Sqn

    RNAS Ford (HMS Peregrine)

    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s of No 801 Sqn photographed while based at RNAS Ford
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20s of No 801 Sqn photographed while based at RNAS Ford
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron, then based at RNAS Ford, landing on HMS Implacable
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 801 Squadron, then based at RNAS Ford, landing on HMS Implacable

    RNAS Lee-on-Solent (HMS Daedalus)

    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW955 of 809 Sqn based at RNAS Lee on Solent
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW955 of 809 Sqn based at RNAS Lee on Solent

    RNAS Stretton (HMS Blackcap)

    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF21 VW967 of the Airwork FRU at St Davids making a flypast at RNAS Stretton, Cheshire, in 1955
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF21 VW967 of the Airwork FRU at St Davids making a flypast at RNAS Stretton, Cheshire, in 1955
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW967 displayed with wings folded at RNAS Stretton, Cheshire, in 1955
    de Havilland Sea Hornet NF.21 VW967 displayed with wings folded at RNAS Stretton, Cheshire, in 1955

    Trial Units and Deployments

    Winter Trials

    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT193 was sent to Edmonton, Alberta, for winter trials in 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT193 was sent to Edmonton, Alberta, for winter trials in 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT193 was sent to Edmonton, Alberta, for winter trials in 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT193 was sent to Edmonton, Alberta, for winter trials in 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT193 was sent to Edmonton, Alberta, for winter trials in 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT193 was sent to Edmonton, Alberta, for winter trials in 1948

    International Air Exhibition September 1948

    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of No 806 Squadron, piloted by Lieut Martin, flying over the Peace Bridge, Niagra. International Air Exhibition September 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of No 806 Squadron, piloted by Lieut Martin, flying over the Peace Bridge, Niagra. International Air Exhibition September 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of No 806 Squadron flying over Toronto Island. International Air Exhibition September 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of No 806 Squadron flying over Toronto Island. International Air Exhibition September 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 806 Naval Air Squadron flying over Niagara Falls. International Air Exhibition September 1948
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 of 806 Naval Air Squadron flying over Niagara Falls. International Air Exhibition September 1948

    Other Operators

    Australian Service

    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
    de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 RAAF A83-1
  • de Havilland Sea Vampire in Australian Service

    de Havilland Sea Vampire in Australian Service

    de Havilland Sea Vampire in Australian Service

    In preparation for the arrival of the de Havilland Sea Venom, the Royal Australian Navy required an aircraft to enable pilots to transition from the Hawker Sea Fury. With de Havilland Australia already producing the Vampire T.33 for the RAAF, the RAN ordered five Sea Vampire T.34 trainers. These were given serials A79-837 to 841 and delivered in 1954.

    The RAN Sea Vampires were operated at HMAS Albatross by 723 Squadron. When 723 Squadron was decommissioned, on 25 October 1956, the Vampire trainers transferred to 724 Squadron.

    In the second half of 1955 the RAN ordered one more aircraft (A79-842) which was delivered in March 1957. An additional four Sea Vampires T.22s were imported from the United Kingdom in August 1959; all retaining their British serial numbers (XA101, XA167, XA766 and XG770).

    During operation with the RAN, four Sea Vampires were lost due to accidents. Three accidents resulted in the deaths of the pilots, while the other resulted in serious injuries. The last recorded Vampire flight took place on 28 September 1970 and the aircraft were replaced by the CAC Aermacchi MB-326H (Macchi) from October 1970. The remaining six Vampires were sold during 1970-72 with most going to aviation museums.

    Photos of the de Havilland Sea Vampire operated by the British Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm can be found here.

    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-837 being accepted June 1954
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-837 being accepted June 1954
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-837
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-837
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-837
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-837
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-837
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-837
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-837
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-837
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-837 crash
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-837 crash
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-840
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-840
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-838
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-838
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-840
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-840
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 XA101
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 XA101
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-840
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 A79-840
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 XA101
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 XA101
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 XA167
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 XA167
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 XA167
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 XA167
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 XG766
    de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 XG766