Chipmunk WG419
The Sywell Aviation Museum acquired the cockpit section of
Chipmunk WG419 on permanent loan from 1053 (Armthorpe) ATC, following
a tip-off from David Burke. She is in superb condition, being very
complete inside complete with sticks, pedals, panels, instruments etc.
419's history is being investigated at present but we know that she
was delivered from the manufacturers on 9th October 1951 and spent
time with 4 BFTS and 6 RFTS at Sywell as well as serving with 15 RFS,
Birmingham and Aberdeen UAS, the CFS and various RAFG station flights.
She was struck off charge in August 1972 becoming ground
instructional airframe 8206M, and converted to a Chipmunk PAX or 'Chippax' -
a ground training aid for those taking flights in Chipmunks.
With thanks to David Burke and all at 1053 ATC for their kind help
and assistance. The PAX was refurbished and installed in the new
Paul Morgan Display Hall in 2008 as a 'hands on' exhibit. She is a great
acquisition as she was based here in the 1950s and has been
brought 'home'!
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Sywell Aerodrome Ltd. is a company registered in England with company no. 272168 & VAT no. 623 8222 56.
Registered offices: Hall Farm, Sywell, Northampton, NN6 0BN.
Web design copyright Handmade by Machine Ltd.
The de Havilland Chipmunk
The de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk was for many years the primary trainer aircraft of the RAF and several other air forces. Designed as a successor to the immortal Tiger Moth, it was the first indigenous design from de Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd. A tailwheel aircraft constructed from metal with fabric covered control surfaces (along with the aft portion of the wing).
Powered by a 145 hp de Havilland Gipsy Major 8 engine, around 1,400 were built - 1,000 in the UK at Hatfield and Hawarden - and 735 of those served in the RAF, Fleet Air Arm and Army Air Corps from 1950 to the present day (a pair are still in use with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight as tailwheel training aircraft). Most were retired by 1996 however, when the last of the University Air Squadrons relinquished theirs for Bulldogs or Grob Tutors.
It is thought that more than 500 Chipmunks remain in airworthy condition around the world, and they are popular with civilian owners.
