Vampire FB.30
Forward Fuselage Close Up

by Brett Green

Classic Airframes' 1/48 scale Vampire FB Mk. 5  is available online from Squadron

This forward fuselage section from an ex-RAAF de Havilland Vampire Mk.30 currently resides at the Camden Museum of Aviation, around 50km south west of Sydney.

These photos illustrate some interesting attributes of this airframe, some of which are common to other Vampire FB.30 and FB.31 airframes, and one which may (or may not) be unique.

The following items are of interest:

• Note the large, oval panel on the starboard side. This metal panel only appears to be installed on Vampires fitted with ejection seats. I assume that it is some sort of access or inspection hatch, as the bulky ejection seat would have severely restricted access to the bottom of the cockpit.

• Also note that the ejection seat is hard against the back of the cockpit. There is no rear shelf for the radio gear.

• The tinted windscreen may be clearly seen in these images

• This particular airframe appears to be fitted with the taller Venom style canopy (thanks to John Adams). This may be a one-off installation.

• Note the forward undercarriage leg angled slightly backwards in these photos. This seems to be the typical attitude.

• The small intake in the tip of the nose has been faired over.

• The open hole near the bottom of the fuselage on the port side is a locating mount for the pilot's step.

• The colours of the ejection seat, cushions and harness straps may be seen in two images below.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Model, Images and Article Copyright © 2005 by Brett Green
Page Created 25 May 2005
Last updated 25 May 2005

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