The Venom Night-Fighter image - Aircraft Lovers Group

The de Havilland two-seat Venom night-fighter, which was derived from the single-seat Venom fighter-bomber and the two-seat Vampire night-fighter, flew for the first time in August 1950. The prototype was tested by the RAF and went into production as the Venom NF.2. The same prototype was also tested as to its suitability for use on aircraft carriers by the Royal Navy who then ordered an upgraded version. From 1954 onwards aircraft of the Sea Venom FAW.20 type were in service on aircraft carriers, but these were later replaced by the significantly improved FAW.21, which had a reinforced undercarriage, improved radar and a more powerful D.H. Ghost engine. The pilot seat was also raised to a higher position. Some of the Sea Venom FAW.21s were in the three squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm that took part in Operation Musketeer during the Anglo-French invasion of the Suez Canal in November 1956. Towards the end of 1956 later production models were equipped with ejector seats for the crew, which were standard for the final production variant the FAW.22. The Sea Venom FAW.22 had an improved Ghost 105 engine with 2,404 kg static thrust which gave it an outstanding rate of climb.(obviously this is relative to the time)