Aeroplane Monthly 1993-03
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K.Wilson - Birdstruck
The dam­age to VV569’s drop tanks and nose is apparent in these views.
At a closing speed of over 300kt a starling is a pretty solid projectile, as these pictures show. Despite the initial damage assessment, though, Vampire VV569 went on to serve with 4 FTS and was not sold as scrap until 1959.