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+