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The Vampire Executive Jet was the brainchild of John E. "Johnny Skyrocket" Morgan who owned a gold painted, ex RCAF Vampire which he flew at Air Shows in America in the 1960's.
He purchased a number of ex-RAAF Vampire Trainers for the project. It is unknown whether this particular aircraft was a very detailed mock-up or flight worthy but it is thought that the Vampire section was from A79-624. An early photograph shows it in good condition and apparently airworthy. A later photograph shows it in a new livery (as above), immaculate condition and the modified rudder - a result of flight testing maybe. Nothing came of the project although a 17 seat version was considered.
Naturally, the only similarity with a Vampire was two booms and a pair of wings. At least the designer followed the DH tradition of elegant design except for the 'orrible rudder extension.The model consists of a slightly modified front section of a Beech KingAir grafted onto an Airfix Vampire. 1/72nd scale naturally.
FGH
