de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk WG407, G-BWMX

1951 De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk 22 T.10, WG407, G-BWMX, departing from Duxford Airfield on 2nd June 2021.
This Chipmunk was constructed as a Chipmunk T.10 by de Havilland at Broughton, Chester, England (c/n C1-0481). It was taken on strength by the Royal Air Force as WG407 on 28th September 1951. By 1977 it was with 9 Air Experience Flight at RAF Finningly, bearing code marking '81'.
It ended its military flying days in February 1996, when it was purchased by Wendy Sanaghan, who owned it until July 2001 when it was transferred to the current owners, The 407th Flying Group.
The De Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk is a 2-seat, single engine primary trainer aircraft, designed to replace the DH Tiger Moth biplane around the world. It was the first true indigenous design of the newly formed De Havilland Aircraft Company of Canada and attracted immediate air force interest.
It was predominantly of all metal construction, with fabric covered wings aft of the spar. It featured as sliding Perspex canopy providing excellent 360 degree vision.
The prototype DHC-1 Chipmunk (CF-DIO-X) was flown for the first time by Pat Fillingham (a Parent Company Test Pilot) on 22nd May 1946, from Downsview near Toronto and it attracted immediate interest from the military. Alongside the high level of interest from the Royal Canadian Air Force, it competed with the Fairey Primer for the contract to provide a basic training aircraft for the Royal Air Force.
Some 1,000 aircraft were built in the UK at Hatfield and Chester, with a further 217 built in Canada and 66 built by OGMA in Portugal.
The RAF DHC-1 Chipmunk T.Mk 10 variant was powered by the Gipsy Major 8 engine. This type was exported widely, serving with at least 14 air forces in addition to the RAF and RCAF.
During the 1950s and 1960s, many aircraft were brought onto the British civil register by private owners and commercial organisations, especially after they were withdrawn from RAF service. These are mainly designated DHC-1 Chipmunk Mk22 or DHC-1 Chipmunk Mk23, serving crop sprayers and glider towing-tugs, as well as personal transport for those that could afford their own aircraft.
The pure simplicity and easy maintenance make the DHC-1 Chipmunk very popular aircraft with flying schools around the world and after a period of evaluation at the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment at Boscombe Down, a fully aerobatic DHC-1 Chipmunk was also adopted by the RAF.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh actually learnt to fly in a DHC-1 Chipmunk and has always claimed it to be one of his favourite aircraft.
Other adaptations include extensive modification for competition aerobatics (re-engined and fitted with constant speed propeller and inverted fuel systems) whilst most of those employed in glider towing being re-engined, typically with the 180hp Lycoming O-360.
Some aircraft, particularly for Canadian use, were fitted with a more aerodynamically refined one-piece blown cockpit canopy.
A side-by-side cabin arrangement was also designed as the DHC-2 but this was never produced and the DHC-2 designation was eventually allocated to the De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver.
It is believed that there are still hundreds of DHC-1 Chipmunks in operation around the world, even after nearly 75 years of loyal service.
Specification (Chipmunk T. Mk 10)
Powerplant One 145hp De Havilland Gipsy Major 8 engine
Span 34 ft 4 in
Maximum Weight 2,100 lb
Capacity Two occupants (pilot and instructor)
Maximum Speed 138 mph
Cruise Speed 119 mph
Range 280 miles
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[@ianstewartaviation2634]

Nice one reminds me of my time in the air cadets and flying in chipmunks at Cambridge 5aef👍

[@oldfatbastad6053]

do you remember that guy who took one look at you and got your helmet size spot on? god what happy days they were, and funny too. we had a corporal who was half english half hong kong, you can just image all the FOD jokes. haha greeting from (ex)ATC 1838 Sqn :)

[@ianstewartaviation2634]

@@oldfatbastad6053 I certainly remember them asking me if chute was on properly me replying “yes Sir then they tightened the straps so you were bent double and then trying to climb up the wing to get in, bas****s😂😂

[@oldfatbastad6053]

@@ianstewartaviation2634 i think it was then i learned to do monkey impressions. the sight of a dozen or so cadets walking like rock apes was a sight to behold 😂

[@ianstewartaviation2634]

@@oldfatbastad6053 It sure was didn’t do a lot for the Crown Jewels as I remember either 😂🤣

[@oldfatbastad6053]

@@ianstewartaviation2634 12 rock apes singing soprano 🤣