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de Havilland Vampire T11 WZ507 at Cranfield 1989. Photo Copyright: Malcolm Clarke

About Our Aircraft - WZ507

WZ507 (c/n 15127) was built in 1952 by the De Havilland Aircraft Company at Christchurch, Dorset. It was delivered to the RAF in March 1953 and served with 229 OCU Chivenor, 8 FTS Swinderby, 5 FTS Oakington, 3 CAACU Exeter and finally CATCS (Central Air Traffic Control School) at Shawbury.

de Havilland Vampire T11 WZ507 test flying after restoration in 1980. Photo Copyright David MunroWZ507 retired from RAF service in 1969 and was acquired from the Ministry of Defence by the Solway Aviation Society (SAS), based at Carlisle airport. The airframe was originally put on static display for a number of years, but in 1980 WZ507 became the first ex-military jet to be put onto the UK civilian register, after being restored to full flying condition by the SAS.

de Havilland Vampire T11 WZ507 Displaying at the 1988 Biggin Hill Air Show.  Photo Copyright Adrian Balch.If you flew or maintained this aircraft in the RAF, or have any photographs or other information about its history, please contact us - we are always pleased to hear from people who have worked with WZ507 in the past.

WZ507 is privately funded by a small group of dedicated enthusiasts and has displayed at air-shows all around the UK; we anticipate another busy display season this year. Please look at our Airshow Bookings section for more information about the displays we have attended, or contact us if you would like to enquire about booking WZ507 for either a static or flying display. We are always willing to display this aircraft for the public and have a selection of Display Authorised pilots available.

Facts and Figures

Crew: 2
Engine: De Havilland Goblin 3
Span: 38' 0"
Length: 34' 5"
Height: 6' 7"
Wing Area: 262 sq ft
Max Weight: 11000 lb

Max Speed at Sea Level:

350 kts
Ceiling: 40000 ft
Range: 730 nm

Pilot Profiles

Brian Grant (Chief Instructor)

Brian is probably the most experienced fast-jet pilot in the world with nearly 14,000 fast jet hours and over 9000 hours instructing! We are extremely privileged to have someone of his considerable experience looking after us.

Brian started his service career in the RAF, earning his wings in 1960 on the Vampire T11. After a work up on Hunters at Chivenor he was posted to the Javelin OCU, flying these aircraft between 1961 and 1965.

In 1965 Brian transferred over to the Royal Navy to fly the Sea Vixen. He was assigned to 890 Squadron on Ark Royal, then 766 Squadron at Yeovilton. In 1967 he went to Valley to become a QFI on the Gnat, staying there for three years. In 1970 he officially left the services to join FRADU (Fleet Requirements and Directions Unit) back at Yeovilton. Here he once again flew the Vixen, Hunter and the Canberra on a variety of Naval support tasks, before finally 'retiring' in 1994.

Since then he has periodically flown Hawks at Culdrose and acts as senior pilot on the Hunter fleet at Exeter. Brian has amassed almost 14,000 hours on fast jets of which 2,000 were on Sea Vixens and some 8,000 on the Hunter.

Matt Hampton (Chief Pilot)

Matt flies the Boeing 757 and 767 for a large British Airline and helped form the Vampire Preservation Group in 2005.

Matt started flying in 1992, gaining his PPL in Alderney. Over the next seven years he spent his spare time gradually obtaining more experience and ratings. In 2000 he joined Cityflyer at Gatwick, as a First Officer on the ATR 42/72. After a year he moved onto the RJ100 fleet, before returning to the ATR as a Captain.

Matt first flew the Vampire in 2002 - he had always been a fan of the aircraft and jumped at the opportunity to fly in it! He will be displaying the Vampire at various airshows during 2007.

Mark Hooton

Mark flies the 757 and has nearly 9000 hours experience. He first flew the Vampire in 2003 and will also be displaying the aircraft during 2007.

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Last Update: 04-Dec-2007