Vampire 637 Engine Removed

On 22 May, HARS members removed the Goblin engine from Vampire A79-637 as part of the recently renewed restoration activities on that wonderful de Havilland aeroplane with its antecedents at the very beginning of the Jet era of aviation.

Work on removing the engine began on 21 May, with Vampire team members ensuring that all the necessary disconnections had been made. There was then some work done on preparing the lifting sling and making sure that it would safely lift the 720kg engine in a level attitude with the tail pipe still attached. This was important, as the engine is a very tight fit in the airframe and, once the four engine mount bolts at the front of the engine have been removed, the engine must be moved slightly rearwards and then very carefully lifted upwards (with some judicious ‘jiggling’ by a helper at the tail pipe). While this is being done, other helpers positioned either side of the engine ensure that it does not foul on any of the numerous obstacles, including control cable pulleys, that seem to have been cleverly placed on the airframe, by the designers, to prevent it coming out.

The photos show the removal process underway on 22 May, but fortunately do not record the colourful language seemingly aimed at trying to expand the space around the engine to allow it to escape from its confines.

However, patience and animal cunning eventually prevailed and the engine was lifted clear of the aeroplane, mounting trunnions were attached, and it was then safely lowered and secured to the maintenance stand.

With the tail booms and empennage having been previously removed, the next step will be to jack and sling the aircraft so that it can be placed on, and supported by, a mobile fuselage stand with a trestle under the forward fuselage and a rear support frame that attaches to the recently vacated engine mounting frame (the rear support frame is currently being fabricated by HARS member John Locke).

Once that has been done, we will remove the left and right wings so that we can carry out, and properly document, vital structural inspections. These include non-destructive inspections of the wing attachment fittings, both on the wings and fuselage, as well as all of the engine mounting hardware.

Work will also start on fitting out the engine for re-installation (this engine – an ex-Swiss Air Force example – being intended to serve only as a taxying engine at this stage).

Stay tuned for the next exciting episode in the restoration to flying condition of A79-637.