de Havilland Canada DHC-1B2 Chipmunk 2

  • Period: Postwar (1945-1959)
  • Uses: Trainer
  • First Flight: May 22, 1946
  • Display Status: In Reserve Hangar.

When the RCAF began to expand in the late 1940s, both elementary and advanced pilot-training depended upon the North American Harvard. It was soon recognized that a simpler aircraft was required for elementary pilot-training. The Chipmunk was chosen for this role. Many of the 217 Chipmunks made in Canada went to the RCAF, but Canadian Chipmunks were also sent to Egypt, Lebanon, and Thailand. Britain made 1 000 Chipmunks and Portugal, 66, under licence.

The Chipmunk was the first Canadian-designed aircraft to be made abroad under licence. Some civilian Chipmunks have been provided with more powerful engines to enhance their aerobatic capability and have been used in international aerobatic competitions.

Museum Example

  • Registration #: 12070 (RCAF)
  • Manufacturer: de Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd., Canada
  • Manufacture Date: 1956
  • Construction #: 208-246
  • Acquisition Date: 1972
  • Provenance: Purchase

The Museum example was built in 1956 and served as a trainer in the RCAF until put into storage in 1971. It was purchased by the Museum in 1972.

Specifications

Wing Span:
10.5 m (34 ft 4 in)
Length:
7.7 m (25 ft 5 in)
Height:
2.1 m (7 ft)
Weight, Empty:
544 kg (1,199 lb)
Weight, Gross:
875 kg (1,930 lb)
Cruising Speed:
200 km/h (124 mph)
Max Speed:
225 km/h (140 mph)
Rate of Climb:
275 m (900 ft) /min
Service Ceiling:
5,240 m (17,200 ft)
Range:
451 km (280 mi)
Power Plant:
one D.H. Gipsy Major 10, 145 hp, inverted in-line engine