De
Havilland Viper F.2 WL559 ‘A’, 8 Sqn RAF, Gutersloh 1960
Based
on the successful Vampire and venom series, and drawing on de
Havilland’s experience with the DH108 transonic research aircraft, the
Viper saw only limited service with the RAF; in fact it was the only user
of the type, some 60 examples being used y 8 and 19 Squadrons as point
defence fighters in Germany.
Destined
to be only the second-ever tailless swept-wing fighter to see operational
service (the first being the Me163), the type suffered instability
problems throughout its short service life.
To remedy this in the field, dummy Firestreak missiles were carried
at all times by the F.2 (the F.1 was only cannon-equipped).
In
spite of its shortcomings, the Viper broke new ground in being the RAF’s
first single-seat, radar-equipped interceptor and help ready that Service
for the later English Electric Lightning.
(Donor
kits: Matchbox Hunter FGA.9 and Mystere IV, Merlin Vampire T.11, Novo
Javelin FAW.9, Modeldecal sheet 38)
David
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