The holders of two world records flying in formation. Nearer the camera is D.H.108 VW120, in which Derry broke the 100km closed circuit record. Behind is Vampire TG278 in which John Cunningham reached 59,492ft and thus regained the altitude record for Britain on March 23, 1948.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Swallow / D.H.108 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1946De Havilland Vampire / D.H.100 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1943

The second prototype D.H.108 TG306 with Geoffrey de Havilland at the controls. It was first flown on August 23, 1946, from Hatfield and it soon became apparent that it was faster than the first aircraft. On September 27, 1946 de Havilland was killed when the aircraft broke up flying at Mach 0-9 over the Thames Estuary.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Swallow / D.H.108 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1946

It was in VW120 on the evening of April 12, 1948 that John Derry raised the 100km closed-circuit speed record to 605-23 m.p.h.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Swallow / D.H.108 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1946

Самолет с кодом VW120 был третьим DH.108. Заместитель министра по вопросам поставок назвал его Swallow, так как опытная машина не получила наименования от фирмы-изготовителя.
The same aircraft, in which the first supersonic flight in the UK was achieved when John Derry attained Mach 1-2 on September 9, 1948, two days before VW120 made its Farnborough debut.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Swallow / D.H.108 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1946

TG283, the first prototype D.H.108, in October 1946. Note the tufts on the top surfaces of the wings for determining airflow behaviour.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Swallow / D.H.108 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1946

Another view of TG306 showing the much-modified cockpit canopy.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Swallow / D.H.108 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1946

TG283 flying at Hatfield on May 30, 1946, two weeks after its maiden flight.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Swallow / D.H.108 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1946

TG306 at high speed over Hatfield.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Swallow / D.H.108 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1946

The third and final D.H.108, VW120, with more pointed nose, a Vampire Mk 5 fuselage and fitted with an ejection seat. It was first flown on July 24, 1947.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Swallow / D.H.108 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1946

Another view of the same aircraft, taken in October 1946 and showing the tufts on the upper wing surfaces. Anti-spin parachutes were fitted in the purpose-built wingtip containers but were later removed.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Swallow / D.H.108 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1946

VW120 in the SBAC Challenge Trophy Race at Birmingham on August 1, 1949. It carries the race number 90, new fin flash and ejection seat triangle. The chap on the wing is obscuring the KEEP OFF legend!

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Swallow / D.H.108 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1946

The same aircraft in its original configuration, with the anti-spin parachutes in wingtip containers.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Swallow / D.H.108 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1946

Three-view of TG283, the first prototype D.H.108, built to investigate slow-speed characteristics, sporting the safety factors considered necessary in view of the RAE’s instability warnings about tailless aircraft.
TG306, the high-speed second prototype, showing the final sliding-hood modifications, in preparation for its attempt at the world’s absolute speed record.
Three-view of VW120, the third of the D.H.108 tailless trio, embodying the modifications made to ensure it was a stronger aircraft for a sustained high-speed research programme.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Swallow / D.H.108 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1946