de Havilland DHC 1 Chipmunk performance and specifications
history
by Jeff VanDerford
History: Developed just after World War II, the DHC-1 Chipmunk was the
first aircraft designed by de Havilland of Canada to replace the de
Havilland Tiger Moth as a single-engine basic trainer. The Chipmunk first
flew on 22 May 1946. Initially, 218 Chipmunks were built for the Royal
Canadian Air Force, followed, after a change to the Gipsy Major 8 engine,
by 735 planes for the RAF’s primary pilot training bases. These were
designated as T 10s.
The British version also differed by being fully aerobatic and having a
sliding, multi-panelled canopy rather than the ‘bubble’ typical in Canada.
Another 217 of the versatile, easily-mastered Chipmunks were built for
export sale, and 60 were built under license in Portugal. Not fully
retired until 1996, many examples are still flying in private hands
worldwide.
Specifications (T Mk 10):
Engine: One 145-hp de Havilland Gypsy Major 8 inline piston engine.
Weight: Empty 1425 lbs., Max Takeoff 2014 lbs.
Wing Span: 34ft. 4in.
Length: 25ft. 5in.
Height: 7ft. 0in.
Performance:
Maximum Speed: 138 mph at sea level
Ceiling: 15,800 ft.
Range: 280 miles
Number Built: 1,075+
Number Still Airworthy: 130+
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