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Image: DeHavilland Swallow VW120 NAN7-49

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Description: The third prototype of the De Havilland DH. 108 Swallow (serial VW120). VW120 first flew on 24 July 1947 flown by John Cunningham, a wartime nightfighter ace. The following year, on 12 April 1948, it established a new World Air Speed Record of 974.02 km/h (604.98 mph) on a 100 km (62 mi) circuit. Then, on 9 September 1948, it exceeded the speed of sound in a shallow dive from 12,195 m (40,000 ft) to 9,145 m (30,000 ft). In 1949, VW120 scored a third place in the Society of British Aircraft Constructors Challenge Trophy Air Race before being turned over to the UK Ministry of Supply and test flown at Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough. VW 120 was destroyed on 15 February 1950, in a fatal crash near Brickhill, Buckinghamshire, killing its test pilot, Squadron Leader Stuart Muller-Rowland. Accident investigation pointed to a faulty oxygen system that incapacitated the pilot.
Title: DeHavilland Swallow VW120 NAN7-49
Credit: U.S. Navy Naval Aviation News July 1949 [1]
Author: USN
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No

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