View source for De Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk

{{Short description|Family of Canadian training aircraft}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=November 2021}}
{{lowercase title|de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk}}
{{Infobox aircraft
  |image = File:DHC1 Chipmunk T.10 ‘WK608 - 906 - Y’ (33208008603).jpg
  |caption = A Chipmunk with the [[Royal Navy]] historical flight
  |type = [[Trainer (aircraft)|Trainer]]
  |manufacturer = [[de Havilland Canada (1928–1986)|de Havilland Canada]]
  |first_flight = 22 May 1946
  |introduction = 1946
  |retired = 1955 (Belgium) <br />1972 (Canada) <br />1996 (United Kingdom)
  |status = In limited service; many examples in private use
  |primary_user = [[Royal Air Force]] (historical)
  |more_users = [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] (historical)<br />[[Portuguese Air Force]]
  |produced = 1947–1956
  |number_built = 1,284 (including Canadian, British, and Portuguese production)<ref name = "bae herit"/>
  |variants =
  |developed_from =
}}

The '''de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk''' (or Chippie) is a tandem, two-seat, single-engined primary [[trainer aircraft]] designed and developed by Canadian aircraft manufacturer [[de Havilland Canada (1928–1986)|de Havilland Canada]]. It was developed shortly after the [[Second World War]] and sold in large numbers during the immediate post-war years, being typically employed as a replacement for the [[de Havilland Tiger Moth]] [[biplane]]. The [[type certificate]] of the aircraft is now owned by [[De Havilland Canada|the De Havilland Canada founded in 2019]].

The Chipmunk was the first [[postwar aviation]] project conducted by de Havilland Canada. It performed its [[maiden flight]] on 22 May 1946 and was introduced to operational service that same year. During the late 1940s and 1950s, the Chipmunk was procured in large numbers by military air services such as the [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] (RCAF), [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF), and several other nations' air forces, where it was often utilised as their standard primary trainer aircraft. The type was [[Licensed production|produced under licence]] by [[de Havilland]] in the [[United Kingdom]], who would produce the vast majority of Chipmunks, as well as by [[OGMA]] (''Oficinas Gerais de Material Aeronáutico'') in [[Portugal]]. The type was slowly phased out of service beginning in the late 1950s, although in the ''[[ab initio]]'' elementary training role, this did not happen in the Royal Air Force until 1996, when it was replaced by the [[Scottish Aviation Bulldog]].

[[File:1956 deHavilland Chipmunk GhostWriter performs at Defenders of Liberty Air Show - Barksdale AFB - March 2025.jpg|thumb|"Ghostwriter", a 1956 deHavilland Chipmunk, performs during the 2025 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana]]
Many Chipmunks that had been in military use were sold to civilians, either to private owners or to companies, where they were typically used for a variety of purposes, often involving the type's excellent flying characteristics and its capability for [[aerobatics|aerobatic manoeuvres]]. More than 70 years after the type having first entered service, hundreds of Chipmunks remain airworthy and are in operation around the world.<ref name = "bae herit"/> The [[Portuguese Air Force]] still operates six Chipmunks, which serve with Esquadra 802, as of 2018.<ref name="AFM Forever Young">{{cite magazine|last1=Degraef|first1=Stefan|last2=Borremans|first2=Edwin|date=December 2018|title=Forever Young|magazine=Air Forces Monthly|publisher=Key Publishing Ltd|pages=40–43}}</ref> The aircraft is named after the [[chipmunk]], a small [[rodent]].

==Development==
===Origins===
[[File:Chipmunk with ribbons-2008.JPG|thumb|Chipmunk with ribbons at Old Warden 2008]]
Immediately following the conclusion of the [[Second World War]], there was a desire within Canadian aviation circles to take advantage during the peace years of the recently expanded aircraft manufacturing industry which had been rapidly built up in Canada. Out of this desire, it was decided to embark on developing aircraft which would replace designs rendered obsolete by the rapid advances made during the war in the aviation field. One such company, [[de Havilland Canada|de Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd]], was interested in developing its own aircraft designs, and chose to focus on producing a contemporary aircraft for pilot training, specifically intending for the envisioned type to serve as a successor to the [[de Havilland Tiger Moth]] [[biplane]] trainer, which had been produced by the thousands before and during the Second World War, and saw military service with a number of nations in that conflict.<ref name="bae herit"/><ref name="havil muse">{{cite web|url=http://www.dehavillandmuseum.co.uk/aircraft/de-havilland-dhc1-chipmunk-t-mk-10/|title=de Havilland DHC1 Chipmunk T.Mk.10|website=de Havilland Aircraft Museum|access-date=2017-04-22}}</ref>

{{interlanguage link|Wsiewołod Jakimiuk|pl}}, a [[Poland|Polish]] pre-war engineer, served as the principal designer and led the design team in the development of the new aircraft, which became known as the ''Chipmunk''. He designed a [[cantilever]] [[monoplane]] that incorporated numerous advances over typical trainer aircraft then in widespread service.<ref name="havil muse"/> These included an enclosed cockpit complete with a rear-sliding canopy, and various aerodynamic features to manage the aircraft's flight performance. [[Strake (aeronautics)|Strake]]s were fitted to deter spin conditions and stall breaker strips along the inboard [[leading edge]]s of the wing ensured that a [[Stall (fluid mechanics)|stall]] would originate in this position as opposed to the outboard section.<ref name="havil muse"/> The Chipmunk would become the first indigenous aircraft design to be produced by de Havilland Canada.<ref name="bae herit"/>

[[File:RCAF Chipmunk 18041.jpg|thumb|RCAF DHC-1B-2-S5 Chipmunk with the Canadian-style [[bubble canopy]] at an air show]]
The Chipmunk prototype, ''CF-DIO-X'', [[maiden flight|first flew]] on 22 May 1946 at Downsview, [[Toronto]],<ref name="bae herit"/> piloted by [[Pat Fillingham]], a [[test pilot]] who had been seconded from the parent [[de Havilland]] company.<ref>Bain 1992, p. 141.</ref> The prototype was powered by a {{cvt|145|hp}} [[de Havilland Gipsy Major|de Havilland Gipsy Major IC]] air-cooled inverted engine, this was replaced on the production version of the Chipmunk by a {{cvt|145|hp}} de Havilland Gipsy Major 8 engine.

===Production===
de Havilland Canada constructed the type at its factory in [[Downsview, Toronto]], [[Ontario]], where it produced 217 Chipmunks during the 1940s and 1950s, the final example of which having been completed during 1956.<ref>Shields et al. 2009, p. 211.</ref> In addition, 1,000 Chipmunks were [[Licensed production|produced under licence]] in the United Kingdom by de Havilland; manufacturing was initially performed at the company's facility at [[Hatfield Aerodrome]], [[Hertfordshire]]; production was later transferred to their factory at [[Hawarden Airport|Hawarden Aerodrome]], Broughton near [[Chester]].<ref name="Jackson dehav p534">Jackson 1987, p. 534.</ref> A further 66 Chipmunks were licence-manufactured in Portugal by [[OGMA]] (''Oficinas Gerais de Material Aeronáutico''), at [[Alverca do Ribatejo|Alverca]] from 1955 to 1961 for the [[Portuguese Air Force]].<ref name="Niccoli p27"/>

[[File:DeHavillandDHC-1A-1Chipmunk.JPG|thumb|A civil de Havilland DHC-1A-1 Chipmunk, fitted with a [[Lycoming Engines|Lycoming]] horizontally opposed engine]]
[[File:DeHavilland DHC-1 Chipmunk.jpg|thumb|A civilian Chipmunk ''[[Aircraft registration|D-EPAK]]'', painted in RAF markings]]
Both British-built and early Canadian-built Chipmunks are notably different from the later Canadian-built RCAF/Lebanese versions. The later Canadian-built aircraft were fitted with a [[bubble canopy]], which replaced the multi-panelled sliding canopy that had been used upon early Canadian-produced Chipmunks, along with all of the Portuguese and British-built aircraft.<ref name="bae herit"/> On the early-built canopy, the rearmost panels intentionally bulged in order to provide the instructor's position with superior visibility.<ref name="fred 92"/> British-built Chipmunks also differed by a number of adjustments to suit the expressed preferences of the RAF. These included the repositioning of the [[landing gear|undercarriage]] legs, anti-spin [[strake (aeronautics)|strake]]s, landing lights, and an all-round stressed airframe.<ref name="fred 92"/>

At one point, work was being conducted on a derivative of the Chipmunk which featured an extensive cabin modification to accommodate a side-by-side seating arrangement; the aircraft, which was referred to as the ''DHC-2'', ultimately remained unbuilt.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1946/1946%20-%201203.html|title=D.H. Chipmunk|date=1946-07-15|page=619|magazine=Flight|access-date=2014-07-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725035742/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1946/1946%20-%201203.html|archive-date=2014-07-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> The DHC-2 designation was subsequently reallocated to the company's next product, the [[de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver|DHC-2 Beaver]].<ref name = "bae herit"/>

==Design==
[[File:Ntsp-dh1-N735DH-071112-01-16.jpg|thumb|An ex-RAF Chipmunk, operated by the [[National Test Pilot School]] as a [[Spin (flight)|spin]] trainer at the [[Mojave Airport]]]]
The de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk is a two-seat, single-engine aircraft that has been heavily used as a primary trainer aircraft.<ref name="bae herit">{{cite web|url=http://www.baesystems.com/en/heritage/de-havilland-canada-dhc-1-chipmunk|title=De Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk|website=[[BAE Systems]]|access-date=2017-04-22}}</ref><ref name="havil muse"/> The basic configuration of the aircraft included a low-mounted wing and a two-place [[tandem]] cockpit, which was fitted with a clear [[Acrylic glass|perspex]] [[Aircraft canopy|canopy]] covers the [[Aviator|pilot]]/student (front) and instructor/passenger (rear) positions and provided all-round visibility.<ref name="bae herit"/> The Chipmunk uses a conventional tailwheel [[landing gear]] arrangement and is fitted with [[fabric]]-covered [[flight control surface]]s; the wing is also fabric-covered aft of the [[spar (aeronautics)|spar]].<ref name="fred 92"/><ref name="bae herit"/> In terms of handling, the Chipmunk exhibited a gentle and responsive flight attitude. Early production aircraft were only semi-[[aerobatic]], while later production models were almost all fully aerobatic.<ref name="bae herit"/><ref name="fred 92"/>

The structure of the Chipmunk makes heavy use of metal, the majority of the airframe being composed of a stress-skinned [[alloy]]; this allowed the adoption of thinner wings and consequently provided for increased performance as well as a greater degree of durability.<ref name="havil muse"/> Numerous features were incorporated so that the type could better perform as a trainer, including hand-operated single-slotted wing [[flap (aircraft)|flap]]s, anti-spin strakes, [[disc brake]]s on the wheeled undercarriage, a thin propeller composed of a solid lightweight alloy, the adoption of an engine-driven [[vacuum pump]] in place of external venturi tubes to power cockpit instrumentation, electric and Coffman cartridge engine starters as alternative options, cockpit lighting, onboard [[radio]] system, and an external identification light underneath the starboard wing.<ref name="havil muse"/>

In civilian service, individual aircraft would often be modified. Examples of these adaptations include extensive modifications that enabled it to perform competitive aerobatics, for which aircraft are often re-engined and fitted with constant speed propellers and inverted fuel systems; larger numbers of Chipmunks have been tasked as dedicated glider tows. It has become commonplace for Chipmunks used as such to be re-engined, often using the {{cvt|180|hp}} [[Lycoming O-360]].<ref name="bae herit"/>

==Operational history==

===United Kingdom===
The [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) had been one of the operators to quickly take notice of the new Canadian trainer, and encouraged its formal evaluation with an eye towards procuring it. Accordingly, a total of three Chipmunk aircraft were transported to the United Kingdom, where they underwent an evaluation by the [[Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment]] (A&AEE) at [[MoD Boscombe Down|RAF Boscombe Down]], [[Wiltshire]].<ref name="bae herit"/> Based upon this favourable evaluation, the British [[Air Ministry]] proceeded to formulate and release [[List of Air Ministry specifications#1940.E2.80.931949|Air Ministry specification T.8/48]] around the type as a replacement for the [[de Havilland Tiger Moth]] biplane then in use. This specification was also contested by the rival [[Fairey Primer]], which lost out to the Chipmunk and ultimately did not enter production.<ref name="bae herit"/>

The fully aerobatic Chipmunk was ordered to serve as an ''ab initio'' trainer for new pilots.{{cn|date=June 2016}} The RAF received 735 Chipmunks, which were [[British military aircraft designation systems|designated]] in British service as the ''de Havilland Chipmunk T.10''; these aircraft had been manufactured in the United Kingdom by [[de Havilland]], the parent company of [[de Havilland Canada (1928–1986)|de Havilland Canada]].

The Chipmunk T.10 initially served with Reserve Flying Squadrons (RFS) of the [[RAF Volunteer Reserve]] (VR), as well as the [[University Air Squadrons]]. During 1958, multiple Chipmunks were pressed into service in [[Cyprus]] for conducting internal security flights during the height of civil unrest during the [[Cyprus dispute]].<ref name="fred 92"/> Eight disassembled aircraft were flown out in the holds of [[Blackburn Beverley]] transports; following their reassembly, these Chipmunks, which were operated by [[No. 114 Squadron RAF|No. 114 Squadron]], were operated for some months into 1959.<ref>''FlyPast'' No. 282. February 2005, pp. 74–5.</ref>

From 1956 to 1990, the Chipmunks of the [[RAF Gatow]] Station Flight were used to conduct covert reconnaissance missions by [[BRIXMIS]] over the [[Berlin]] area.<ref>Shields et al. 2009, p. 276.</ref> A number of Chipmunk T.10s were also used by the [[Army Air Corps (United Kingdom)|Army Air Corps]] and [[Fleet Air Arm]] to conduct primary training. Notably, [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|Prince Philip]] had his first flying lesson in a Chipmunk in 1952; he declared the type to be his favourite aircraft.<ref name="bae herit"/>

Until 1996, Chipmunks remained in service with [[Air Training Corps]] (ATC) and the RAF Sections of the [[Combined Cadet Force]] (CCF) for [[Air Experience Flight]]s (AEFs); the final of these AEF flights to use the Chipmunk was No. 10 Air Experience Flight, [[RAF Woodvale]], when they were replaced by the [[Scottish Aviation Bulldog]]. The last Chipmunks in military service are still operated by the British historic flights – the RAF [[Battle of Britain Memorial Flight]] (including one of the Gatow aircraft), the Royal Navy and Army historic flights, to keep their pilots current on tailwheel aircraft. In addition, the cockpit sections of some former RAF Chipmunks have been used as ground training aids; these are colloquially known as "Chippax" trainers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sywellaerodrome.co.uk/museum-exhibits-chippax.php|title=Chipmunk WG419|website=sywellaerodrome.co.uk|access-date=2011-07-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109062454/http://sywellaerodrome.co.uk/museum-exhibits-chippax.php|archive-date=2016-11-09}}</ref>{{#tag:ref|"Chippax" is an amalgamation of "Chipmunk" and "Pax" (an industry abbreviation for "passenger")|group=N}}

In 1995 and 1996, the RAF planned for a pair of Chipmunks to [[Circumnavigation|circumnavigate]] the northern hemisphere to establish a route for [[light aircraft]] from Europe to North America via [[Russia]]. The RAF chose the Chipmunk because of its reliability and ability to operate with minimal ground support. Modifications were made before the journey, including expanding fuel capacity and updating [[navigation]] equipment. The Chipmunks were accompanied on the journey by a support aircraft. In 1996, the RAF started the journey, but had to stop in [[Moscow]] due to [[Wildfire|forest fires]] in central [[Siberia]]. The RAF successfully completed the journey in 1997, flying {{convert|16259|mi}} over 64 days, visiting 62 airfields along the way. One of the two Chipmunks was added to the collection at the [[Royal Air Force Museum|RAF Museum]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/documents/collections/X002-3448-Chipmunk-WP962.pdf|title=INDIVIDUAL HISTORY: DE HAVILLAND CHIPMUNK T.Mk.10 WP962/9278M MUSEUM ACCESSION NUMBER X002-3448|last=Simpson|first=Andrew|website=Royal Air Force Museum|access-date=2018-06-17}}</ref> The other belongs to a private owner, who has restored the Chipmunk to its condition during the round-the-world flight and flies it to aviation events.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/british-aircraft-are-coming|title=The British (Aircraft) Are Coming|last=Stamm|first=Amy|date=2018-04-06|work=National Air and Space Museum|access-date=2018-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617065845/https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/british-aircraft-are-coming|archive-date=2018-06-17|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Canada===
In 1948, the RCAF accepted its first DHC-1 Chipmunk trainers, having received the first batch of a production run of 217 Chipmunks that would be manufactured in Canada.<ref name="CASM"/> The Chipmunk was the first Canadian-designed aircraft to be made abroad under licence and as such, the majority of the home-grown production were destined for the RCAF. However, Canadian-built Chipmunks were also delivered to some overseas customers, including [[Egypt]], [[Lebanon]] and [[Thailand]].<ref name="CASM">{{cite web|url=http://www.aviation.technomuses.ca/collections/artifacts/aircraft/deHavillandCanadaDHC-1B2Chipmunk2/|title=de Havilland Canada DHC-1B2 Chipmunk 2|website=Canada Aviation and Space Museum|access-date=2011-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016234009/http://www.aviation.technomuses.ca/collections/artifacts/aircraft/deHavillandCanadaDHC-1B2Chipmunk2/|archive-date=2013-10-16|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:DeHavillandDHC-1B-2-S5Chipmunk01.jpg|thumb|A former RCAF de Havilland DHC-1B-2-S5 Chipmunk with the Canadian-style [[bubble canopy]] in the [[Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum]], [[Hamilton, Ontario]]]]
[[File:De Havilland Canada DHC-1.jpg|thumb|de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk T.20 (not modernized), in [[Portuguese Air Force]] original colours]]
Of the 113 Chipmunks that entered RCAF service, 79 were assigned to serve as ''ab initio'' trainers, while 34 were assigned to flying clubs for use in refresher training for RCAF Reserve pilots.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canadiancentennialofflight.ca/en/canadasAircraftLegacy_DHC1Chipmunk.php|title=De Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk|website=Canadian Centennial of Flight|access-date=2011-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826140327/http://www.canadiancentennialofflight.ca/en/canadasAircraftLegacy_DHC1Chipmunk.php|archive-date=2011-08-26|url-status=usurped}}</ref> The type remained in use as a trainer until the early 1970s, the last example being retired from service by the [[Canadian Armed Forces]] in 1972, three years after unification of the [[Canadian Armed Forces]].<ref name="CASM"/> The Chipmunk's long service was due, in part, to its fully aerobatic capabilities and superb flying characteristics, which had contributed towards pilots frequently referring to it as being "a delight to fly".{{#tag:ref|The Chipmunk's flight characteristics have been favourably compared to that of the wartime [[Supermarine Spitfire]].<ref name="CWHM"/><ref>Shields, Hugh et al. 2009, pp. cover, back cover.</ref>|group=N}}

On 2 June 2015, with the landing of his Chipmunk at [[Pearson International Airport]] in [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], Canada, retired de Havilland Canada test pilot George Neal established a new world record for the oldest active licensed pilot at the age of 96 years 194 days.<ref>Anonymous, "World's Oldest pilot." ''Aviation History'', November 2015, p. 10.</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Lynch|first=Kerry|url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-06-22/george-neal-enters-guinness-record-book-oldest-pilot|title=George Neal Enters Guinness Record Book as Oldest Pilot|work=AIN Online|date=2015-06-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627183220/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-06-22/george-neal-enters-guinness-record-book-oldest-pilot|archive-date=2015-06-27|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Portugal===
[[File:chipmunk mk22 wd347 arp.jpg|thumb|ex-[[RAF]] de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk Mk 22, built in [[England]] in 1951]]
The [[Portuguese Air Force]] (FAP) received its first DHC-1 Chipmunk Mk. 20 in 1951, being delivered to the Military Aeronautical School in [[Sintra]]. It was the first of an eventual 76 that would be delivered, replacing its almost two decade old de Havilland Tiger Moths. Its first 10 were constructed in the United Kingdom while the following 66 were licence-built by [[OGMA]] in Portugal. The Chipmunks would fly with the Elementary Flying Training Squadron (Esquadra de Instrução Elementar de Pilotagem).<ref name="AFM Forever Young" />

By 1986, only 36 Chipmunks still remained in service, flying with [[101 Squadron (Portugal)|Esquadra de Instrução 101]]. With the Chipmunks being a 40-year-old design and with the annual attrition rate of the fleet being two aircraft, in October 1987 a decision was made by the FAP to replace the Chipmunks with 18 [[Aérospatiale]] [[Socata TB 30 Epsilon|TB 30 Epsilons]]. Epsilon deliveries was made throughout 1989, with all remaining Chipmunks being withdrawn from service by the time the last Epsilon was delivered. Shortly afterwards, 7 Chipmunks were handed over to the [[Portuguese Air Force Academy|Air Force Academy]] (AFA) to be used for glider towing.<ref name="AFM Forever Young" />

In 1997, a major reform was made to the FAP's training syllabus which led to the need for cost savings. This resulted in the 7 AFA Chipmunks being used by the FAP for an initial screen testing programme for potential pilots – the Estágio de Seleção de Voo (ESV). The 7 Chipmunks (serials – 1306, 1312, 1315, 1316, 1319, 1335, 1339) were first upgraded before being put into use. These upgrades consisted of replacing the Gipsy Major engines with the more powerful [[Lycoming O-360]], adding a metal propeller, a new radio and an [[Identification friend or foe|IFF]] transponder. Five of these aircraft were upgraded by OGMA at [[Alverca do Ribatejo]], while the other two were converted by Indústrias Aeronáuticas de Coimbra (IAC). The first two upgraded Chipmunks were delivered to Esquadra 802 in July 1997 and began their screening programme the next month on 18 August. On 17 March 1998, an upgraded Chipmunk (serial – 1312) crashed on take-off at Sintra causing it to be written off, neither of the occupants – an Angolan student and Portuguese instructor – were harmed.<ref name="AFM Forever Young" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=66307|title=Accident de Havilland Canada DHC-1-200 Chipmunk 1312, 17 Mar 1998|website=Aviation Safety Network|access-date=2018-11-20}}</ref> As of 2018, Esquadra 802 still operates the remaining 6 Chipmunks.<ref name="AFM Forever Young" />

===Civilian===
From the 1950s, the Chipmunk also became a popular civilian aircraft, used in various roles such as pilot training, [[aerobatics]] and even [[Aerial application|crop spraying]]. The majority of civilian aircraft are [[military surplus]] which not infrequently have been modernised. It is also a mechanically robust aircraft, so much so that numerous ex-RCAF Chipmunks have since remained operational for decades with private owners and operators around the world.<ref name="CWHM">{{cite web|url=http://www.warplane.com/pages/aircraft_chipmunk.html|title=de Havilland Canada DHC-1B-2-S5 Chipmunk|website=Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum|access-date=2011-07-26}}</ref> By 2001, several hundred Chipmunks were reportedly operational in private service.<ref name="fred 92">Fredriksen 2001, p. 92.</ref> It is familiarly known as the "Chippie".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2023/march/pilot/letters-march-2023|website=aopa.org|title=Flying the Chippie: Oh, those clever Brits!|date=2023-02-01}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=February 2025|reason=Nowhere in the article is it mentionned that "Chippie" is a common nickname.}}

==Variants==

===Canadian-built===
;DHC-1A-1 (Chipmunk T.1)
:Powered by de Havilland Gipsy Major 1C engine, only partially aerobatic.<ref name="bae herit"/>
;DHC-1A-2
:Powered by de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 engine, only partially aerobatic.<ref name="bae herit"/>
;DHC-1B-1
:Powered by de Havilland Gipsy Major 1C engine, fully aerobatic.<ref name="bae herit"/>
;DHC-1B-2
:Powered by de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 engine, fully aerobatic.<ref name="bae herit"/>
;DHC-1B-2-S1
:Powered by de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 for Royal Egyptian Air Force.<ref name="bae herit"/>
;DHC-1B-2-S2
:Powered by de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 for Royal Thai Air Force.<ref name="bae herit"/>
;DHC-1B-2-S3 (Chipmunk T.2)
:Powered by de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 for RCAF refresher training operated by Royal Canadian Flying Clubs.<ref name="bae herit"/>
;DHC-1B-2-S4
:Version for Chile.<ref name="bae herit"/>
;DHC-1B-2-S5 (Chipmunk T.2)
:Additional units built for Royal Canadian Air Force.<ref name="bae herit"/>
;B.F.9
:({{langx|th|บ.ฝ.๙}}) [[Royal Thai Armed Forces]] designation for the DHC-1.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thai Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/thailand.html |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>

===British-built===
[[File:SuperChipmunk.jpg|thumb|Super Chipmunk (fixed gear)]]
;Chipmunk T.10 (Mk 10)
:de Havilland Gipsy Major 8 engined version for the [[Royal Air Force]], 735 built.<ref name="bae herit"/>
;Chipmunk Mk 20
:Military export version of T.10 powered by de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 Series 2 engine, 217 built.<ref name="bae herit"/>
;Chipmunk Mk 21
:Civil version of Mk 20 but fitted to civil standards, 28 built.<ref name="bae herit"/>
;Chipmunk Mk 22
:T.10 converted for civilian use.<ref name="bae herit"/> Conversion also involves restamping the Gipsy Major 8 (which is military) to a model 10-2 (which is civil).{{Citation needed|date=April 2017}}
;Chipmunk Mk 22A
:Mk 22 with fuel tankage increased to 12 Imperial gallons per side.<ref name="bae herit"/>
;Chipmunk Mk 23
:Five converted T.10s powered by de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 Series 2 engine and with agricultural spray equipment.<ref name="Jackson dehav p534"/>

===Portuguese-built===
;Chipmunk Mk 20
:Military version powered by de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 Series 2 ({{cvt|145|hp|0}}) engine, 10 built in UK followed by 66 built by OGMA.<ref name="Niccoli p27">Niccoli 1998, p. 27.</ref><ref name="bae herit"/> From 1989 onward, seven aircraft were updated and modified at OGMA (5) and Indústrias Aeronáuticas de Coimbra (2) to be used by the [[802 Squadron (Portugal)|802 Sqn. "''Águias''"]] (Eagles) – [[Portuguese Air Force Academy|Air Force Academy]] squadron. The main modification was the installation of a more powerful {{cvt|180|hp|0}} [[Lycoming O-360]] engine. Their main tasks are related to supporting the Air Force cadets' aerial activities, mainly initial aptitude screening, glider tow and initial flight proficiency.

===Civil conversions===
;Masefield Variant:
Modifications or conversions by Bristol Aircraft Ltd into a touring aircraft to design by [[Peter Masefield]]. Modifications could be made on Chipmunk Mk 20, Mk 21, Mk 22 and 22A aircraft. The Chipmunks could be fitted with luggage compartments in the wings, a blown canopy, landing gear fairings and enlarged fuel tanks.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1960/1960%20-%201085.html|title=Masefield Chipmunk|magazine=Flight|date=1960-07-15|page=105|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090929002338/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1960/1960%20-%201085.html|archive-date=2009-09-29|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:DHC-1 Mod VH-CXZ BAN 04.10.70 edited-2.jpg|thumb|The Sundowner conversion at [[Bankstown Airport]] Sydney in 1970]]
;Super Chipmunk
:Single-seat aerobatic aircraft, powered by a {{cvt|260|hp|0}} [[Lycoming O-435|Avco Lycoming GO-435]] piston engine, equipped with revised flying surfaces and retractable landing gear; four conversions.<ref name="NASM"/>

;Turbo Chipmunk:
In 1967–1968, a Chipmunk Mk 22A was converted, tested and flown by [[Hants and Sussex Aviation]]. The Chipmunk was fitted with an {{cvt|116|hp|0}} Rover 90 turboprop engine<ref name="Jackdon dehav p535">Jackson 1987, p. 535.</ref> and extra fuel capacity.

;Aerostructures Sundowner
:One Australian Chipmunk was fitted with a {{cvt|180|hp|0}} Lycoming O-360 flat-four piston engine, wingtip tanks, clear-view canopy and metal wing skinning as the Sundowner touring aircraft.<ref name="Eyre">Eyre 1983, p. 189.</ref>
;[[Sasin Spraymaster]]
:Three Australian Chipmunks were converted into single-seat agricultural spraying aircraft.<ref name="Eyre"/>
[[File:G-BBNA (14323434035).jpg|thumb|G-BBNA the prototype Supermunk conversion]]
;Supermunk
:A prototype glider-tug designed and produced by officials of the [[British Gliding Association]] (BGA) led by the Chief Technical Officer, [[Richard B. Stratton|R.B. "Dick" Stratton]] (formerly flight test engineer for Saunders-Roe Aircraft ltd.). The prototype Supermunk aircraft (G-BBNA) was converted from a Chipmunk by fitting {{cvt|180|hp|0}} [[Avco Lycoming O-360-A4A]] engines for use as glider tugs. Four further Chipmunks were converted by and are operated by the [[Royal Air Force Gliding & Soaring Association]] (RAFGSA); the five Supermunks are still in service (March 2020){{cn|date=February 2025}} and used for club launches, adventure training courses and major gliding competitions in the United Kingdom and Europe.<ref name="JAWA 82-3">{{cite book|title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1982-83|editor1-last=Taylor|editor1-first=John W.R.|year=1983|edition=73rd|publisher=Jane's Publishing Company|location=London|isbn=978-0-7106-0748-5|page=260}}</ref> A similar modification was carried out to seven Chipmunks used by the [[Portuguese Air Force Academy]] as basic training aircraft and as [[glider tug]]s.<ref name="FAP">{{cite web|title=Força Aérea Portuguesa|url=https://www.emfa.pt/aeronave-8-chipmunk-mk-20-modif|website=www.emfa.pt|access-date=2020-03-28|language=pt-PT}}</ref>{{clarify|Is it the same modification?|date=March 2020}}
[[File:Portuguese Air Force Supermunk at Beja Air Force Base FAP 1335.jpg|thumb|FAP 1335, a Portuguese Air Force Academy Supermunk at Beja Air Force Base]]
[[File:Harold Krier, Super Chipmunk, Fairview OK 1970.jpg|thumb|Aerobatic pilot Harold Krier taxiing a Super Chipmunk, at an airshow in Fairview, Oklahoma 1970]]
;Scholl Super Chipmunk
[[File:20180328 DHC-1 Chipmunk Udvar-Hazy.jpg|thumb|upright|A Super Chipmunk on display at the [[Udvar-Hazy Center]].]]
:A number of Chipmunks were modified as aerobatic aircraft in the United States as the "Super Chipmunk". Along with an uprated engine, the aircraft underwent an extensive makeover including clipping its wings, adding retractable landing gear, converting to a single-seat layout, adding an autopilot and being fitted with a red, white and blue wingtip and tail smoke system. The control stick was lengthened by {{convert|3|in}} for greater control during extreme aerobatic manoeuvres. For over 25 years, a Super Chipmunk in distinctive bright colour scheme of blue stars and sunburst effect was displayed by the aerobatic pilot [[Art Scholl]]. Four Super Chipmunk conversions were modified, Scholl's ''N13A'' and ''N13Y'', Harold Krier's ''N6311V'' and Skip Volk's ''N1114V''. Another more recent "Super Chipmunk" was converted by air show performer, Jim "Fang" Maroney, who similarly modified an ex-RCAF example by strengthening the airframe, replacing the original {{cvt|145|hp|0}} engine with a {{cvt|260|hp|0}} version incorporating an inverted fuel and oil system, clipping {{convert|3|ft|spell=in}} off the wings and adding 30% more rudder and 10% more elevator. A [[Aircraft fairing|spatted]] landing gear was retained. Another similarly modified "Super Chipmunk", ''N1804Q'', is owned and flown by air show pilot Greg Aldridge. ''N13Y'' is now on display at the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Udvar-Hazy Center at Washington-Dulles International Airport.,<ref name="NASM">{{cite web|url=https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/de-havilland-canada-dhc-1a-chipmunk-pennzoil-special/nasm_A19870364000|title=De Havilland-Canada DHC-1A Chipmunk, Pennzoil Special|website=Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum|access-date=2009-02-06}}</ref> while ''N1114V'' is preserved at the [[EAA AirVenture Museum]] at [[Oshkosh, Wisconsin]], USA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airventuremuseum.org/collection/aircraft/de%20Havilland%20DHC-1B-2%20Chipmunk.asp|title=de Havilland DHC-1B-2 Chipmunk – N1114V|website=AirVenture Museum|access-date=2009-02-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100515150824/http://www.airventuremuseum.org/collection/aircraft/de%20Havilland%20DHC-1B-2%20Chipmunk.asp|archive-date=2010-05-15|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Operators==
{{Main|List of de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk operators}}

===Civilian operators===
Today, the Chipmunk remains popular with specialized flying clubs and is also operated by private individuals located in many countries worldwide.

===Military operators===
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
;{{BEL}}
;{{BIR}}
;{{CAN}}
;{{flagicon|Sri Lanka}} [[Ceylon]]
;{{DNK}}
;{{EGY}}
;{{GHA}}
;{{IRL}}
;{{IRQ}}
;{{ISR}}
;{{JOR}}
;{{KEN}}
;{{LBN}}
;{{MYS}}
;{{POR}}
;{{SAU}}
;{{ESP}}
;{{SYR}}
;{{flag|Southern Rhodesia}}
;{{THA}}
;{{UK}}
;{{URY}}
;{{ZAM}}
}}

==Specifications (DHC-1 Chipmunk)==
[[File:Dehavilland DHC-1B-2-S5 Chipmunk C-FBNM 02.JPG|thumb|de Havilland DHC-1B-2-S5 Chipmunk Gipsy Major 10 engine installation]]
[[File:DHC-1 front cockpit.jpg|thumb|Front cockpit of a Chipmunk]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=''The de Havilland Canada Story and BAE Systems.''<ref>Hotson 1983, p. 237.</ref><ref name = "bae herit"/>
|prime units?=imp
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=2
|length ft=25
|length in=5
|length note=
|span ft=34
|span in=4
|span note=
|height ft=7
|height in=1
|height note=
|wing area sqft=172
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil='''root:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA 1415]]; '''tip:''' USA 35B<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
|empty weight lb=1517
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=2014
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=2200
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name= [[de Havilland Gipsy Major 1C]]
|eng1 type=4-cylinder air-cooled inverted in-line piston engine
|eng1 hp=145
|eng1 note=

|prop blade number=2
|prop name=fixed-pitch propeller
|prop dia note=
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed mph=138
|max speed note=at sea level
|cruise speed mph=103
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed mph=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed note=
|range miles=259
|range note=
|ferry range miles=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=15800
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|glide ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|climb rate ftmin=900
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|sink rate ftmin=<!-- sailplanes -->
|sink rate note=
|lift to drag=
|wing loading lb/sqft=11.71
|wing loading note=
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass={{cvt|.072|hp/lb}}

|more performance=<!--
* '''Take-off run:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
* '''Take-off distance to {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
* '''Landing run:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
* '''Landing distance from {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}-->

|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation|Canada}}
{{aircontent
|related=
|similar aircraft=
* [[Fairchild PT-19]]
* [[Fokker S.11]]
* [[HAL HT-2]]
* [[LWD Junak]]
* [[Miles Magister]]
* [[Percival Prentice]]
* [[Yakovlev UT-2]]
* [[Zlín Z 26]]
|lists =
* [[List of aircraft of the Royal Air Force]]
|see also=
}}

==References==
===Notes===
{{Reflist|group=N}}

===Citations===
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book|last=Bain|first=Gordon|title=de Havilland: A Pictorial Tribute|location=London|publisher=Airlife Publishing|year=1992|isbn=1-853-10144-3}}
* {{cite book|last=Cooper|first=Tom|title=Hot Skies Over Yemen, Volume 1: Aerial Warfare Over the South Arabian Peninsula, 1962-1994|year=2017|publisher=Helion & Company Publishing|location=Solihull, UK|isbn=978-1-912174-23-2}}
* {{cite encyclopedia|last=Eyre|first=David|title=Sasin/Aerostructures SA29 Spraymaster|encyclopedia=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft in Australia and New Zealand|location=Hornsby, N.S.W|publisher=Sunshine Books|year=1983|isbn=0-86777-272-7}}
* {{cite book|last=Fisher|first=Bill|title=Chipmunk: The First Forty Years|location=Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, UK|publisher=de Havilland Type Design Organisation|year=1986}}
* {{cite book|last=Fisher|first=Bill|title=Chipmunk: The First Fifty Years|location=Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, UK|publisher=Air-Britain Historians Ltd.|year=1996|isbn=0-85130-245-9}}
* {{cite book|last=Fredriksen|first=John C.|title=International Warbirds: An Illustrated Guide to World Military Aircraft, 1914–2000|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2001|isbn=1-57607-364-5}}
* {{cite book|last=Halley|first=J.J.|title=Royal Air Force Aircraft WA100 to WZ999|location=Tonbridge, Kent, UK|publisher=Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd.|date=2003|isbn=0-85130-321-8}}
* {{cite book|last=Hotson|first=Fred|title=The de Havilland Canada Story|location=Toronto, ON|publisher=CANAV Books|year=1983|isbn=0-9690703-2-2}}
* The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982–1985). London: Orbis Publishing.
* {{cite book|last=Jackson|first=A.J.|title=British Civil Aircraft since 1919 Volume 2|location=London|publisher=Putnam|year=1974|isbn=0-370-10010-7}}
* {{cite book|last=Jackson|first=A.J.|title=De Havilland Aircraft since 1909|location=London|publisher=Putnam|edition=Third|year=1987|isbn=0-85177-802-X}}
* {{cite magazine|last=Niccoli|first=Riccardo|title=Atlantic Sentinels: The Portuguese Air Force since 1912|magazine=[[Air Enthusiast]]|issue=73|date=January–February 1998|pages=20–35|location=Stanford, UK|publisher=Key Publishing|issn=0143-5450}}
* {{cite book|last1=Shields|first1=Hugh|last2=Brown|first2=Rod|last3=Gonçalves|first3=José Munkelt|last4=Blievers|first4=Rod|display-authors=1|title=The de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk: The Poor Man's Spitfire|location=St. Thomas, ON|publisher=SBGB Publishing|year=2009|isbn=978-0-9812544-0-1}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20031208030152/http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/de-havilland-chipmunk.htm RAF Museum]
* [http://airforcemuseum.ca/en/aircraft-2/chipmunk National Air Force Museum of Canada] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901051236/http://airforcemuseum.ca/en/aircraft-2/chipmunk |date=1 September 2015 }}
* [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1947/1947%20-%201373.html "The D.H. Chipmunk"] a 1947 ''Flight'' article
* [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1967/1967%20-%202080.html "The Turbine Chipmunk"] a 1967 ''Flight'' article on the Rover TP.90 experiments
* [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%200780.html "In Vogue Again: The de Havilland Chipmunk"] a 1974 ''Flight'' article
* [http://www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/theaircraft/chipmunk.cfm Article on the RAF BBMF (Battle of Britain Memorial Flight)]

{{de Havilland Canada}}
{{CF aircraft}}
{{Aircraft manufactured in Canada}}
{{Thai trainer designations}}
{{British military aircraft since World War II}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:De Havilland Canada Dhc-1 Chipmunk}}
[[Category:De Havilland Canada aircraft|DHC-1]]
[[Category:1940s Canadian military trainer aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Glider tugs]]
[[Category:Aerobatic aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1946]]
[[Category:Aircraft with fixed conventional landing gear]]
[[Category:Single-engined piston aircraft]]