Jet Age Pioneer in Flight – de Havilland Vampire | Wanaka Airshow 2026

The elegant de Havilland Vampire A79-649 takes to the skies during the spectacular Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow 2026 in New Zealand. Built in Australia in 1957 (construction number 4171), this aircraft served with the Royal Australian Air Force as A79-649 before later being restored to flying condition. It was among the first Australian jet warbirds to be returned to the air, and today flies in New Zealand as ZK-VAM in its original RAAF colours, preserving the appearance of one of Australia's early jet trainers. The de Havilland Vampire occupies a special place in aviation history as one of the true pioneers of the jet age. Entering Royal Air Force service shortly after World War II, it became Britain's second operational jet fighter and one of the world's first successful single-engine jet fighters. More than 4,400 Vampires were built, serving with over 30 air forces across the globe and helping countless nations transition from piston-powered fighters to the jet era. The Vampire also achieved several notable aviation milestones. It was the first jet aircraft to successfully cross the Atlantic Ocean, the first jet fighter to operate from an aircraft carrier, and among the earliest jet fighters to prove that turbine-powered combat aircraft could be reliable, practical and effective in everyday military service. These achievements cemented the Vampire's reputation as one of the aircraft that helped shape modern military aviation. Filmed at Warbirds Over Wanaka 2026, this display showcases not only the graceful handling of this iconic aircraft but also the distinctive whistle and roar of its de Havilland Goblin turbojet—sounds that marked the dawn of a new era in aviation. If you enjoy authentic warbird operations and aviation history, please consider subscribing for more 4K aviation videos from around the world. #Vampire #DeHavillandVampire #A79649 #ZKVAM #WarbirdsOverWanaka #Wanaka2026 #JetAge #ClassicJets #Warbirds #MilitaryAviation #RAAF #NewZealand #Airshow #Aviation #DrBearAviation