Meteor

Meteor: First-Generation Jet Fighter

NOTE: This is a new book edition of Aeroplane Icons: Meteor.

The story of the Gloster Meteor is one of the greatest in the history of the aviation industry and one generally taken for granted. This pioneering aircraft was not particularly advanced, was given very little chance to prove itself in combat but, as a first-generation jet, its arrival launched the RAF into a new era.

Development of the jet engine began in 1936, and accelerated by the outbreak of World War Two; the first Meteor F Mk 1s entered service with 616 Squadron in 1944. This was an incredible achievement that saw the Meteor poised to re-equip a host of RAF squadrons during the immediate post-war era. By 1950, the best of the day-fighters had arrived in the shape of the F Mk 8 and, for the next five years, more than 30 operational units were flying the type, up until the arrival of the second-generation Hawker Hunter.

Approximately 890 Meteors were lost in RAF service; and surprisingly this was during peacetime. Despite this, the Meteor was a huge success story for the Gloster Aircraft Company and the industry as a whole. Overseas orders were healthy with all marks, from the F Mk 3 onwards, seeing service across the globe. This new book edition tracks the design and development, service and variants of Britain’s first jet fighter.

Available: NOW

ISBN: 978 1 80282 704 0

Price: £16.99

Series: Historic Military Aircraft Series, vol 30

Format: Paperback, 128 pages