A 22-year road to restoration for an aircraft that is the sole example of this type in the world.

The RCAF took its first Vedette on strength in July 1925 and retired the last one in 1941. It was used by the RCAF and some provincial governments for forest fire patrol and aerial photography. Many of the topographical maps in use today are based on photographs taken from Vedettes.

This aircraft is the only example of this type in the world. For the restoration, Museum volunteers pieced together information from three wreckages. Plans had to be re-drawn before construction could begin and restoration was a very time-consuming operation. Over 100 volunteers contributed to the restoration effort. On May 24, 2002, a dedication was organized at the Museum for the opening of the Vickers Vedette exhibit.

The registration letters painted on the hull are CF-MAG. Those are the letters which were worn by one of the three aircraft whose wreckage contributed to the restoration. CF-MAG belonged to the Manitoba Government Air Services at the time of its demise.

Specifications

Wingspan: 12.88 m (42' 3")

Length: 10.00 m (32' 10")

Height: 3.38 m (11' 1")

Weight: 1,724 kg (3,800 lbs)

Engine: 215 hp Armstrong-Siddeley Lynx IV B OR 220 hp Wright J-5 OR 300 hp Wright J-6

Cruise Speed: 80-151 km/h (50-94 mph) depending on engine

Max. Speed: 148-174 km/h (92-108 mph) depending on engine