{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-dh-100-vampire-mk-3-european-and-american-operators-plastic-model-kit","title":"SPECIAL HOBBY 1\/72 DH.100 Vampire Mk.3 'European and American Operators' Plastic Model Kit","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECIAL HOBBY 1\/72 DH.100 Vampire Mk.3 ‘European and American Operators’ Plastic Model Kit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe De Havilland DH.100 Vampire was one of Britain’s earliest operational jet fighters and only the second jet aircraft to enter RAF service after the Gloster Meteor. The prototype first flew in 1943, although the type did not reach frontline operational units until April 1945, with full service introduction following in 1946. These delays were largely due to its original conception as an experimental jet aircraft, not initially intended for mass production. However, its performance and potential ensured it would become one of the RAF’s most widely produced early jet types.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn total, nearly 3,300 Vampires were built for the Royal Air Force and numerous export customers, with production and licence manufacture extending to over 30 countries worldwide. The type remained in RAF service into the 1960s, gradually transitioning from frontline fighter duties to advanced training and secondary roles as more modern jet aircraft entered service. The Vampire was also notable for a number of aviation milestones, including becoming the first RAF fighter to exceed 800 km\/h in level flight, and the first jet aircraft in Royal Navy service to operate from an aircraft carrier. It also achieved a further distinction as one of the earliest jet aircraft to complete a transatlantic flight with refuelling stops.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Mk.3 represented a key early development of the type, refining the basic design and improving operational capability. Powered by the Goblin turbojet engine, the Vampire Mk.3 retained the distinctive twin-boom configuration and wooden-fuselage construction of the original design, while offering improved handling and versatility. The type was widely operated not only by the RAF but also by numerous European and American air arms, reflecting the rapid post-war spread of jet technology.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 1\/72 scale kit captures the classic lines of the Vampire Mk.3 and represents aircraft operated by a variety of European and American users during the early jet age.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTechnical data (FB.6 reference): maximum speed 882 km\/h, climb rate 24.4 m\/s, service ceiling 13,045 m, range 1,960 km, armament: 4 × 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, plus rockets and bombs up to 450 kg.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46630148243617,"sku":"SH-72453","price":37.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1008\/9754\/files\/41844_rd.jpg?v=1782885695","url":"https:\/\/www.hearnshobbies.com\/products\/special-hobby-1-72-dh-100-vampire-mk-3-european-and-american-operators-plastic-model-kit","provider":"Hearns Hobbies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}