An icon of Canadian military aviation is now the centrepiece of the air park at the Comox Air Force Museum.
Today volunteers installed the Vampire Mark III in its forever home, a shelter and pavilion funded thanks to donors from all around the world.
“Today is a momentous day that has been over twenty years in the making! Thanks to you, we can now display what will become the crown jewel of our Heritage Air Park,” the museum posted on its Facebook page. “We are eternally grateful for all who donated and provided support for this project to its completion. There’s still more to do, so stay tuned for further updates.”
The Vampire was a product of the integration of deHavilland factories in Canada and Britain during the Second World War. One of the earliest jet fighters, it was put into production too late to be of use during the war. However, it found new life as a Cold War fighter and trainer.
“This very successful design was produced in several versions and flew with the air forces of more than 15 countries,” says the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum. “In 1948 it was the first jet fighter to enter the Royal Canadian Air Force. Here, as in other air forces, it introduced fighter pilots not only to jet flying, but also to cockpit pressurization and the tricycle landing gear.”
This particular jet has been sitting in storage since 2000 at 19 Wing Comox. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, the museum, and base personnel over the years, it’s finally been restored and added to the permanent display on Military Row.
For pictures from today’s installation, visit the Comox Valley Air Force Museum on Facebook (see below).
For more information about the Vampire Mark III and its roles in Canadian history, visit the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum.
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