First registered in 1957 and operated by DH, displaying their titles on the side, until export to Itavia as I-AOVE in September 1961. In 1964 it went to Cimber Air as OY-AFN, then to Prinair as N563PR in 1968. On 5 March 1969 it was vectored into terrain near San Juan/PR by a trainee controller and destroyed with the loss of all on board. Enough of it survived (c/n plate maybe) for a rebuild in 1971, with Lycoming engines, as N575PR. On 24 July 1979 the rebuild was wrecked attempting take-off from St. Croix/USVI at 1000 lbs. overweight and with CG aft of limit.

CF-DIO-X was the first Chipmunk imported in December 1946

The second prototype Canberra used by the DH Engine Co as a Spectre rocket test bed. It is painted black overall and is being demonstrated at the 1957 Farnborough Air Show.

The "De Havilland Dove" titles indicate that the manufacturers own this aircraft. Seen at an Open Day at this USAF Base.

The prototype Dove which first flew from Hatfield on 25 September 1945. Tested as RAF WJ310. Sold to Cabo Verde in March 1956 as CR-CAC. Damaged beyond repair on 14 June 1957. From DH 60 years ago.

The prototype Venom fighter bomber which first flew from Hatfield on 2 September 1949. It had been built by English Electric at Preston as a Vampire FB.5 and then converted by DH at Hatfield. From DH 60 years ago.

The prototype Vampire T.11 twin-seat trainer which was built at the ex-Airspeed factory at Christchurch, Hants. It first flew on 15 November 1950. Later allocated serial WW456. From DH 60 years ago.

The prototype DH-114 Heron shortly after making its maiden flight. DH Aircraft titles on its nose. From DH 60 years ago.

A 'factory fresh' Vampire Trainer displayed at the 1954 SBAC show wearing the yellow 'T-band' scheme. The aircraft did not serve the RAF, going instead direct to the Southern Rhodesia A.F. as SR120.

The third prototype DH.110 demonstrating at the 1955 Farnborough Air Show. The unusual plan form of this type is clearly shown. By that time the type had not yet been named Sea Vixen.

This Vampire FB.5 was used for tests with a shorter span wing with square cut tips. It later served at Boscombe Down with the AAEE. From De Havilland 50 years ago.

The prototype Giant Moth 6/8-seater first flew in December 1927. Shipped to Australia in February 1928 as G-AUTL serving with three airlines, latterly with Guinea Airways until struck off in 1936. The ten DH-61's were mainly delivered to Australia and Canada. From DH A/c 60 years ago.

The first of two single-seat research and racing monoplanes built at Stag Lane in 1927. This example achieved a world's closed circuit class record of 186.4 mph and a world's altitude record of 19,191 ft on 29 September 1927. To Australia as VH-UNH. Crashed at Mascot 17 September 1930. From DH 60 years ago.

De Havilland's Moth visiting Woodford for an air display. Also seen are Moths G-EBLR (centre) and G-EBLV (left). The latter is still airworthy 85 years later. Each wears the then obligatory 'G' letter on its fin. Image obtained 60 years ago.

The prototype DH-53 Hummingbird ultra light aircraft shortly after completion by DH at their Stag Lane factory and before application of its registration. This aircraft still exists. Obtained from DH 60 years ago.

The prototype Comet 1 which first flew on 27 July 1949. It wears the "Speedbird" symbol of the launch customer, BOAC, on its nose. From DH Aircraft 60 years ago.