De Havilland Chipmunk at 80 - Ops Photo Shoot

For many years, the de Havill and Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk served as the starting point for RAF pilots university students and Air Cadets. First taking to the skies at Downs view, Toronto on 22 May 1946, this aircraft was a modernised version of the Tiger Moth. It was de Havill and Canada’s very first original design blending traditional tailwheel handling with a low-wing monoplane design tandem seating and an enclosed cockpit.

The Chipmunk’s design quickly gained popularity as a military trainer. Over 1,280 were built in Canada Britain and Portugal with more than 700 destined for the Royal Air Force. British production began at Hatfield and later moved to Broughton near Chester. The RAF’s version was designated the Chipmunk T.10 and later the surviving aircraft became the civilian Chipmunk T.22.

Even though the Chipmunk has already celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2026 with various events, this special session is particularly for photographers. At the historic Old Warden Aerodrome, the afternoon will feature four Chipmunks, each representing a different era of the aircraft’s long service. This line up includes an aircraft in its traditional training colours and the unmistakable Red ‘Royal Chipmunk’, WP903.

WP903 has a particularly interesting history. In 1969, the then Prince Charles used the aircraft during his flying training while studying at Cambridge University. On 14 January that year, he completed his first solo flight at RAF Bassingbourn. The aircraft remains closely linked to this significant moment in the King’s aviation story and is now based at Old Warden.

Rather than simply arranging the aircraft in a standard static line, we’re planning to create a series of carefully considered photographic scenes. The Chipmunks will be positioned both individually and in groups that complement each other, allowing participants to capture the differences in their markings and presentation.

We’re thrilled to have period re-enactors from various eras of the Chipmunk’s career join us! Their outfits and gear will bring scenes from the aircraft’s time as an RAF trainer and Air Cadet workhorse to life. We’re also hoping to include Air Training Corps cadets in some of the scenes, highlighting the direct link between the Chipmunk’s past and today’s RAF Air Cadets.Old Warden is the ideal location for this shoot. Its grass aerodrome, traditional hangars and tranquil countryside create a truly authentic setting unlike a modern airport or airshow. This setting will help us capture images that truly reflect the Chipmunk’s atmosphere throughout its service.We’ve  also chosen the perfect time of day to make the most of the beautiful autumn afternoon light. As the sun sets, we’ll adjust the aircraft and scenes where possible aiming for warmer light and more atmospheric photos later. Of course, the exact plans will depend on weather conditions ground conditions and what the aircraft owners and Shuttleworth team require.

Beyond the photo shoot everyone can explore the Shuttleworth Collection during its opening hours. It boasts a fantastic collection of historic aircraft vintage vehicles motorcycles bicycles agricultural exhibits and steam machinery. Many of the aircraft are maintained in excellent condition by Shuttleworth’s expert engineering team.The Collection even features its own Chipmunk T.22 built in 1952 displayed in Royal Canadian Air Force training colours. This connection to the aircraft’s Canadian heritage adds another layer of interest.

This is shaping up to be a thoughtful celebration of an aircraft that while not always in the spotlight has made a significant impact on British military aviation. For those who once trained as cadets it might evoke fond memories of their very first flight. And for aviation photographers it presents an opportunity to capture truly inspiring images of four Chipmunks at one of Britain’s most picturesque heritage airfields.

This is a joint shoot with the Centre of Aviation Photography and TimeLine Events.