de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk

Primary Trainer

Airworthy - On Display

The DHC-1 Chipmunk the first indigenous aircraft designed by the Canadian company, which was originally setup as a subsidiary of its parent company in 1928.   It was designed to be a replacement for the Tiger Moth and as such was procured by the RAF and RCAF where it was used as a primary trainer.

NZ Warbirds has 2 Chipmunks on display.  WB693 is a British built DHC-1 Mk.10 and was used by the RAF Reserve Flying School at Perth Scotland providing flying currency for RAF volunteer reserve pilots.  It was Later it was operated by the Malta Communications Flight in the Mediterranean, stationed in Cyprus and Libya.

WK551 is a Mk.22 model which saw service in the RAF. Built in 1952 it served the RAF till 1974 when it was retired.  After a civilian flying career in South Africa, it was shipped to NZ.

The type is known to be quite well-mannered with excellent handling characteristics for aerobatics.  As such they have been commonly known as “the poor man’s Spitfire” and affectionally called “Chippies”.

Country of Origin: Canada
Engine: Gipsy Major 1c, 145hp Inverted 4-cylinder piston engine
Length: 7.75m (25ft 5in)
Height: 2.1m (7ft 0in)
Wing Span: 10.47m (34ft 4in)
Cruise Speed: 119mph (192kmh or 105 knots)
Maximum Speed: 138mph (222kmh or 120 knots)
Range: 280 miles (450kmh)
Armament: Nil