The De Havilland Sea Vampire prototype takes off from the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Ocean. US Naval History and Heritage Command The Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm developed three prototypes as part ...

The De Havilland Vampire made its maiden flight on September 20, 1943, at Hatfield Aerodrome. Production accelerated in the mid-1940s, with companies like English Electric contributing to the build.

The De Havilland Vampire’s prototype, nicknamed the ­Spidercrab, became the third British jet to fly on Sept. 20, 1940, according to CFB Comox.

de Havilland Vampire on display at the EAA Aviation Museum's Eagle Hangar, July 2, 2025. (Photo courtesy: EAA) The other piece of the display is a P-80 Shooting Star from EAA's collection.