In 1943, an exciting new sound was heard around British airfields and a new shape appeared in British skies. It was the De Havilland Vampire, Britain's second jet fighter. The whine of its Goblin engine, the absence of propeller and its distinctive twin boom layout marked it as something really different. The aircraft featured in this documentary production is ZK-RVM; a two set trainer version. It was built in 1958 for the Swiss Air Force, where it served until 1990 when it was completely overhauled. Now based at New Plymouth, on the North Island of New Zealand, the aircraft is powered by a de Havilland Goblin MK 35 jet engine rated at 3,500lb static thrust. Top speed is about 450 knots stalling speed 95 knots and service ceiling is 35,000ft. Even though constructed largely of wood, the cabin is pressurized. Early jet engines were notorious for their high fuel consumption, and the Goblin was no exception. In this program, Brett Emeny, an experienced formation aerobatics pilot, takes us on a walk around of his aircraft, followed by a cockpit tour. We then fly with Brett on an aerobatic sortie, firstly in formation with another Vampire, flown by Paul "Huggy" Hughan, and then solo. Multiple cameras provide breathtaking coverage from in the cockpit, air-to-air, and from the ground. An extra feature is a detailed look at the Goblin, an early production jet engine which makes an interesting comparison with the engines of today.
|