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Gloster METEOR
RCAF Gloster Meteor Mk III jet fighter aircraft used for post-war
evaluation.
(J.McNulty & RAF Photos)
The Gloster Meteor was the first operational jet fighter to be introduced into Allied service during the Second World War. It entered active service with the RAF in the summer of 1944 and many of its first missions were flown to counter the "Buzz Bomb" V-1 attacks being launched against Britain. Two Canadian pilots flying Meteors scored victories in this campaign. Flying Officer W. McKenzie, while flying with No. 616 (RAF) Squadron shot down a V-1 "Doodlebug" on 08 August 1944, while Flying Officer J. Ritch scored yet another, the very next day.
A view of the 421 Sqn T7 variant (J.McNulty & RAF Photos)
In the post-war period of 1945, the RAF shipped a Meteor Mk III to Canada for test and evaluation purposes. A further three Meteor aircraft were to arrive for similar purposes. The experience of these Canadian "jet" pilots helped solidify the early procurement of the De Havilland Vampire as Canada's first operational jet fighter in 1948.
However, the RCAF was not yet finished with the Meteor. In June 1950, the Minister of National Defence confirmed the re-deployment of 421 Squadron back overseas "in order to acquire experience in the latest technique of air operations.." 421 Squadron was subsequently equipped with (RAF-owned) Meteor Mk 7 aircraft for these operations in England.
| Manufacturer: | Gloster Aircraft |
| Crew/Passengers: | one pilot |
| Power Plant: | two 2,000 lb thrust Rolls-Royce Derwent 1 centrifugal turbojet engines |
| Performance: | Max Speed: 410 mph ( 660 km/h) Cruising Speed: mph ( km/h) Service Ceiling: 44,000 ft (13,410 m) Range: 1,000 mi ( 1,610 km) |
| Weights: | Empty: 8,140 lb ( 3,693 kg) Gross: 13,800 lb ( 6,260 kg) |
| Dimensions: | Span: 43 ft 0 in (13.11 m) Length: 41 ft 4 in (12.60 m) Height: 13 ft 0 in ( 3.96 m) |
| Armament: | four 20 mm Hispano cannon |
| Cost: | Unknown |
