The first jet fighters in Asia - whose career spanned nearly three decades. The single seater fighter served in almost all the fighter squadrons. The two seater version of the Vampire was the mainstay of Jet training till the very end.
Units that flew this aircraft are 1 Squadron, 2 Squadron, 3 Squadron, 4 Squadron, 7 Squadron, 8 Squadron, 10 Squadron, 15 Squadron, 16 Squadron, 17 Squadron, 20 Squadron, 23 Squadron, 24 Squadron, 27 Squadron, 35 Squadron, 45 Squadron, 220 Squadron and 221 Squadron.
Vampire IB-1626 in Indian Navy Colours. This was one of the half a dozen or so Vampires taken over by the Navy for the purpose of Jet Training. Photo Courtesy:LiveFist
HB546 was the third Vampire F.Mk.3 received by the IAF in 1945. This aircraft has survived anonymity and was recently found displayed at the Air Force Technical College, Jalahalli. Note the "Chakra Markings" and the Civilian Registration VT-CXJ
Date: 08 Feb 06
Views: 877
Serial: HB546
Unit: Aircraft Testing Unit
Copyright: Indian Air Force
A Vampire FB Mk.52 [IB-1700] on a test flight after production from the HAL factory at Bangalore. The aircraft is being flown by then Flight Lieutnant Kapil Bhargava.
Date: 08 Feb 06
Views: 791
Serial: IB1700
Unit: HAL
Copyright: Gp Capt Kapil Bhargava
A row of new-built Vampires at Palam AFS. The aircraft were later flown to other forward air bases on India's western border. The three nearest aircraft have serial numbers of IB429, IB430 and IB420.
IB799 was the Indian AF's last airworthy Vampire and is part of the historic flight. The aircraft last flew in 1992 and may still be airworthy with minimal maintenance
Date: 08 Feb 06
Views: 835
Serial: IB799
Unit: Vintage Flight, IAF Museum
Copyright: Simon Watson
Seen here after landing at Palam AFS is HB-545, the second Vampire F.3 received by the IAF. The aircraft has the Chakra markings and carries the civilian registration VT-CXI. The aircraft was previously marked as VV210 during its service with the RAF
Date: 08 Feb 06
Views: 775
Serial: HB545
Unit: Aircraft Testing Unit
Copyright: Indian Air Force
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Naval ALH Prototype
![Vampire FB52 [IB799] of the Vintage Aircraft Flight](/IAF/Images/3127-4/IB799_001)
