(first run in 1942)

The de Havilland Goblin turbojet engine was the second British jet engine and the first to enter production. It was simple, efficient and the world’s first reliable jet engine. Goblin’s powered some of the world’s first jet aircraft including de Havilland Vampires which were the first jets to fly in Australia.

The Goblin was originally known as the Halford H1, after its designer Frank Halford. It was essentially an improved version of the first British jet engine designed by Frank Whittle.

The simple design used a one piece compressor which made it more reliable than other more complex jet engines of this era. The original version generated a thrust of 1,225kg (2, 700lb) and the final version a force of 1667kg (3675lb).

Goblin engines first flew in a Gloster Meteor in March 1943 and in a de Havilland Vampire in September the same year. They powered several early jet aircraft including the Vampire which entered service with the Royal Air Force in 1946.

Australia ordered Vampires for the RAAF and RAN in 1946. The fighter versions were fitted with the more powerful Rolls Royce Nene engine and the trainer versions by the de Havilland Goblin engine.

One hundred and ten trainer Vampires fitted with Goblin engines were made in Australia. They began entering service in 1952 and remained in use until they were finally withdrawn from service in 1971.