de Havilland Chipmunk T10
| Location: Coventry | In Service: |
| Manufacturer: de Havilland Aircraft Company, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK | Purpose: Two-seat Primary trainer |
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Power Plant: One de Havilland Gipsy Major 8 |
Length: 25ft 8in |
| Construction: All-metal fuselage, metal/fabric flying surfaces | Maximum speed: 138mph Range: 292 miles Service ceiling 16,000 ft Rate of climb: 800ft./min Wing loading: Thrust/weight: |
Armament: None
History: The Chipmunk was designed and built originally by the de Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd. It first flew in May 1946 and it became the standard primary trainer for the Royal Canadian Airforce. The type was a great success, combining pleasant flying characteristics with sufficient pilot challenge to provide a useful learning experience. Unfortunately its spin behaviour proved too demanding for some students, and several aircraft and crews were lost. A simple modification in the form of anti-spin strakes fitted ahead of the tailplane resolved the problem and the Chippie's success was assured. Subsequently the parent company in Britain developed the design to need the needs of the RAF Volunteer Reserve. The Chipmunk T10 of which Classic Flight's Chippie is an example was equipped with a Gipsy Major 8 engine. This was re-stamped as a model 10-2 in aircraft converted for civil use. Over 500 Chipminks remain flyable throughout the world, with more being restored every year - a testament to the aircraft's popularity.
