The de Havilland Vampire was the second of the RAF's first-generation post-Second World War jet fighters to enter service. It began life as an interceptor but was soon re-tasked in the day fighter/ground attack roles with the 2nd Tatical Air Force in Germany from 1948 to 1954, and with the RAF's Middle and Far East Air Forces.
Throughout its 46-year career it collected many notable firsts: it was the first jet fighter to cross the Atlantic, the first jet to land on an aircraft carrier, and the first jet trainer on which student pilots actually qualified for their 'wings'.
In addition to playing a full part in the RAF's battle order during the 1940's and '50s, the Vampire also served with the Fleet Air Arm and quickly became an export success story for the British Aircraft industry, with hundreds of aircraft sold to dozens of foreign air forces world-wide. For a short spell during the early 1950s the Vampire formed the backbone of thr RAF's nightfighter force and, imporantly, between 1952 and 1967 the Vampire trainer wsa responsible for a steady flow of trained pilots for the RAF, Royal Navy and for foreign air forces.
First flown on 20th September 1943 the Vampire was the UK's third jet aircraft to fly and although it was too late to see action during World War II, the type remained in service for over 30 years.
The first examples arrived in New Zealand during 1951-52 and became the first operational jet aircraft in Royal New Zealand Air Force service when they were taken on charge by No's 14 and 75 Squadron at Ohakea.
Utilised in the day fighter/ground attack role a total of 58 flew with the RNZAF until replacement by the Strikemaster in 1972. Disposed of to private collectors and relegated to scrap, few now remain in New Zealand and none are airworthy