Built as a F.1 and converted to an F.2 prototype with a Rolls Royce Nene engine in place of the DH Goblin. The aircraft later acquired two "elephant's ears "dorsal intakes to feed more air to the rear face of the impeller. Buffeting from these intakes created handling problems. It did not stop the RAAF from selecting the Nene, which has more power than the Goblin, for its Vampire fighters. The elephant's ears were eventually replaced by intakes under the fuselage. The French air force also adopted the Nene. Photo from: Imperial War Museums

Rolls-Royce Nene powered. Used for test flying until withdrawn from use in 1956. Instructional airframe until burnt on the fire dump at RAAF Forest Hill (Wagga Wagga) c.1961. Photo from: State Library of New South Wales

A79-2 was one of only three Vampire F2. Delivered to the RAAF in 1948 and used to give RAAF and de Havilland Australia pilots jet experience. Became an instructional airframe in 1954, then to a fire dump. Remains sold for scrap in 1963. Seen here with four other Vampires waiting to be melted down.