For the first time at Wings & Wheels the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron will be bringing two de Havilland Vampires as part of the five-hour air display on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th August.

The first de Havilland Vampire FB.52 on display is the export version of the Mk 6 of which 101 were built and 36 exported to Norway. The aircraft is now in the Royal Norwegian Air Force markings to represent Vampire PX-K, serving at the 336 squadron in the early 50s, Norway’s first pure jet fighter squadron.

The second de Havilland Vampire T.55 was the export version of the DH 115 trainer in RAF service known at the T.11. 216, six of which were exported to Norway and in use from 1952 to 1955. The aircraft is now in the Royal Norwegian Air Force markings to represent Vampire PX-M, a two – seater serving with 336 squadron.

The Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron was founded in 2008 and is based at Rygge Air Base Norway. Their first aircraft was the D.H. Vampire, PX-M which was acquired in 2005.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “We are thrilled to announce the inclusion of the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron’s two de Havilland Vampires. They are an impressive fast jet pairs display that we’ve not seen at the Aerodrome before and will definitely add a thrill to our five hour air display.”

The de Havilland DH.100 Vampire was a British fighter jet developed during the Second World War. It was designed to harness the newly developed jet engine and entered service with the RAF in 1945. It was the first fighter jet to be powered by a single jet engine.

The RAF used the Vampire as a front line fighter until 1953, when it assumed the role of pilot training. The de Havilland Vampire jet achieved a series of aviation firsts, including being the first British plane to exceed 500mph as well as the first jet fighter to cross the Atlantic. It was retired in 1966 and replaced by the Hawker Hunter and Gloster Javelin.

Around 3,300 Vampires were manufactured. The Royal Navy’s first jet fighter was the Sea Vampire, a variant of the plane operated from the Navy’s aircraft carriers. As such, the Vampire was the first plane to be landed on a moving aircraft carrier.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the full complement from the RAF as they display with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Hurricane, Dakota) as well as the Royal Navy Black Cats, Blades, Sally B and B-25 Mitchell bomber.  Supercars, classics and race cars put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two-hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum. Over in our Wheels Zone is an array of interactive and static displays as well as two and four wheeled shows in the Stunt Zone with Steve ‘Showtime’ Colley and Mission Motorsport and a new Monster Truck arena offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The show also includes over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, 2 bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.  

The 12^th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 27^th & Sunday 28^th August 2016, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £155 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information, visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2016 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Tags: 2016, August, Dunsfold Wings & Wheels Airshow, News