In 1941 the first British jet, the Gloster Pioneer, flew with a Power Jets W.1 engine. The engine was used as the basis for redesign and production of the DH Goblin engine.

The design of this engine was started in April 1942 and it was producing its full thrust by June 1942.

In 1941 the UK Air Ministry had issued a specification for a new single engine fighter using this new engine.

The deHavilland design was built using the same techniques as the Mosquito from a mixture of metal, wood and balsa.

The new aircraft flew in Sep 1943 and was nicknamed the “Spider Crab”. It was ordered into production as the Vampire Mk.1.

The aircraft did not reach service until 1946.

The early versions were soon replaced with the FB.5 appearing in June 1948. At its peak, 19 RAF Squadrons operated the FB.5.

The Vampire was a successful export for the UK with versions being used by 32 countries.

Airfix 1/72 kit completed by Steve Pulbrook in 2010.