In a major boost for Australia’s Warbird movement, a fully restored and airworthy De Havilland DH.115 Vampire T55 has arrived in Scone, New South Wales, where it will join the growing fleet of historic aircraft operated by Paul Bennet Airshows.
Built in 1958 by F+W Emmen in collaboration with de Havilland Switzerland, this two-seat jet trainer was one of 39 Vampire T.55 aircraft used by the Swiss Air Force, with nine of the final batch sourced from RAF surplus stock. Operating under the Swiss serial U-1213, the Vampire served as a jet trainer until the early 1990s, logging approximately 2,500 flight hours before being retired. Following its retirement, the aircraft was sold and made its way through various owners in the United States and Canada, where it was restored in 2010 to its original configuration. It was painted in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) 442 City of Vancouver Auxiliary Fighter Squadron colors. Between 2017 and 2019, the Vampire underwent a second comprehensive restoration, which included a wooden forward fuselage overhaul, digital cockpit upgrades, rewiring, and the addition of larger external fuel tanks as seen on the DH Venom.
Arrival in Australia
In 2023, the Vampire was placed on the market in Rockford, Illinois, USA, where it caught the attention of renowned Australian display pilot and Warbird operator Paul Bennet of Paul Bennet Airshows in the Hunter Valley, NSW. After successful negotiations, the jet was dismantled and shipped to Australia, finally arriving in early 2025. Now fully assembled at Scone, the Vampire is undergoing Australian certification ahead of its imminent first flight. Once cleared, Paul Bennet is set to fly the jet extensively at airshows across Australia, where it will stand out as his first jet-powered aircraft, joining an impressive lineup that includes a Wirraway, Corsair, TBM Avenger, Sea Fury FB.11, and T-28 Trojan. The aircraft now features a Garmin-equipped instrument panel, fresh wiring, and drop tanks, making it a highly capable and spectacular performer. When not flying, the aircraft will join the aircraft display of Hunter Fighter Collection’s (HFC) stable of historic aircraft, on loan to the Hunter Warbirds Museum at Scone. (See Vintage Aviation News’ previous articles about the Hunter Fighter Collection HERE.)
A Fitting Addition to Australia’s Warbird Heritage
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) operated single-seat Vampire fighters and two-seat trainers from RAAF Williamtown and other bases between 1950 and the mid-1970s. While originally Swiss-built, the T.55 variant is very similar to the RAAF’s Vampire T.35, making it a historically significant and fitting aircraft for Warbird operations in Australia.
Hunter Fighter Collection – Preserving Aviation History
Hunter Fighter Collection (HFC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving Australia’s aviation heritage. The arrival of the Vampire T55 further strengthens HFC’s commitment to maintaining and displaying historic aircraft for public appreciation and education. With the Vampire’s first flight in Australia just around the corner, warbird enthusiasts can look forward to seeing this legendary jet trainer take to the skies once again, showcasing the enduring legacy of classic military aviation. For more information visit the Hunter Fighter Collection website.
