RCAF Aircraft Spotlight:  The 1956 de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk is a quintessential post-World War II trainer aircraft that stands out for its blend of innovation and performance. On September 21, you can have an opportunity to sit inside this antique military trainer and get a Mission Briefing. For now, here’s a look at its development, production, and design:

Following World War II, there was a strong desire in Canada to leverage its expanded aircraft manufacturing industry. de Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd saw an opportunity to develop a new trainer aircraft that would replace the aging de Havilland Tiger Moth.

The project was led by Wsiewołod Jakimiuk, a Polish engineer, who designed the Chipmunk as a cantilever monoplane. This design featured an enclosed cockpit with a rear-sliding canopy, improved aerodynamics, and spin prevention features like strakes and stall breaker strips.
The first prototype, CF-DIO-X, flew on May 22, 1946, piloted by Pat Fillingham. It was initially equipped with a 145 hp de Havilland Gipsy Major IC engine.

• Canadian Production: de Havilland Canada produced 217 Chipmunks at its Downsview factory between the 1940s and 1950s. Later Canadian models featured a bubble canopy for improved visibility. Over were 1000 produced in the UK, and 66 in Portugal.

 Aircraft Configuration:  By 1950 the Chipmunk had replaced the Tiger Moth. The Chipmunk was carefully designed to overcome most of the problems of the Tiger Moth. The Chipmunk is a tandem, two-seat, single-engine aircraft with a low-mounted wing. It features a conventional tailwheel landing gear arrangement and a fabric-covered fuselage. The cockpit has a clear perspex canopy that provides excellent visibility. The layout includes controls for both the student pilot and instructor.
 
Performance and Flight Features

• Flight Characteristics: The Chipmunk is known for its gentle handling and responsiveness. It was initially semi-aerobatic but later versions were fully aerobatic.
• Construction: The aircraft uses a stress-skinned alloy for its airframe, allowing for thinner, more performance-oriented wings and increased durability.
• Additional Features: Hand-operated single-slotted wing flaps
  • Anti-spin strakes and disc brakes
  • Lightweight alloy propeller
  • Engine-driven vacuum pump for cockpit instruments
  • Electric and Coffman cartridge starters
  • Cockpit lighting and onboard radio system

 
1956 RCAF Chipmunk: The Chipmunk at our museum has a notable service history. Here are some highlights of the Chipmunk’s role in elementary military flight training across various Canadian air stations before its transition to civilian ownership.

• It was first used by the Primary Flying Training School at RCAF Station Centralia, Ontario during Course 5904 in the summer of 1959, training both Canadian and Dutch students.
• After its service at Centralia, the aircraft was moved to CFB Borden, Ontario, following the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces.
• Later, it was transferred to 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at CFB Portage la Prairie, Manitoba on July 1, 1970.
• After being retired from active military service, it was given a civilian registration as CF-OBB.
• The aircraft was eventually acquired by Tom Coates, who purchased it for restoration on 24 May 2001.