The de Havilland Venom was a British military jet fighter developed from the Vampire. It retained the twin-boom layout but introduced a more powerful Ghost engine and a thinner wing. The first prototype flew on 2 September 1949.[1]DH.112 Venom and Sea VenomBAE Systems Heritage · baesystems.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Aerodynamic development
The Venom’s thinner wing incorporated leading-edge sweep, improving its suitability for higher speeds. Wingtip fuel tanks increased fuel capacity, with wind-tunnel work indicating a better lift-to-drag relationship than the Vampire’s underwing tanks. Wing fences addressed tip-stalling behaviour, while later developments included power-assisted ailerons and ejection seats.[2]Venom design and Swiss examplede Havilland Aircraft Museum · dehavillandmuseum.co.uk · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Fighter and night-fighter versions
The FB.1 entered RAF service in Germany in 1952. A two-seat night-fighter branch combined a broader Vampire-derived fuselage with Venom wings, seating the crew side by side. The NF.2 was followed by the improved-radar NF.3. These aircraft extended the family from daylight fighter-bomber work into radar-assisted night interception.[1]DH.112 Venom and Sea VenomBAE Systems Heritage · baesystems.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Naval development
The related Sea Venom adapted the night-fighter concept for aircraft-carrier operation. Folding wings, a stronger undercarriage and an arrestor hook supported naval use. Sea Venoms served with British, Australian and French naval aviation organisations, while the land-based Venom remained a separate branch of the family. Their shared origin did not make their airframes interchangeable in service.[1]DH.112 Venom and Sea VenomBAE Systems Heritage · baesystems.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Swiss production and preservation
Switzerland built Venoms under licence and modified some with a longer nose containing radio equipment. The de Havilland Aircraft Museum’s J-1632 is a Swiss-built example that served in reconnaissance before returning to fighter-bomber configuration. Swiss aircraft also demonstrate the type’s export longevity beyond the RAF’s withdrawal of its final FB.4s in 1962.[2]Venom design and Swiss examplede Havilland Aircraft Museum · dehavillandmuseum.co.uk · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[1]DH.112 Venom and Sea VenomBAE Systems Heritage · baesystems.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details