Difference between revisions of "Sea Meteor F Mk 3"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
+
In 1948, two [[Meteor F Mk 3]]s were navalised for carrier trials. They were fitted with tail hooks and had reinforced underbellies and landing gear, as well as being equipped with the new, more powerful Derwent 5 jet engines. The two aircraft undertook a number of take-off and landing tests aboard HMS Illustrious and Implacable. While the Royal Navy were impressed with their performance, it was instead decided to commission the [[Attacker FB 1|Supermarine Attacker]] for the role.
  
−
At first sight, most pilots that take the Sea Meteor out believe it has just what they always wanted from the Meteor F.3 - speed. Because of this, they often try to do what they did in the F.3 - turn fighting - and end up without wings. The key difference between the Meteor F.3 and the Sea Meteor is the weaker wings. While you could pull full G's in the Meteor F.3 and get away with it, the Sea Meteor will instantly rip if mishandled above 700 kph. Use your airbrakes and try to tame the speed of the Sea Meteor in a dive, because if you go too fast downwards, it won't be compression that kills you - your incapability of pulling up rests on the weakness of your wings. Your straight-line speed is truly an upgrade from the F.3, and now even the dreaded B-57s will have a hard time running away from you - in fact, the fully-upgraded Sea Meteor usually hits its redline speed in a straight line, and can easily rip its wings off in level flight if you are not careful.
+
In the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, the Sea Meteor solves one of the main issues of the preceding Meteor F Mk 3: its relatively lacklustre engine performance. Equipped with engines almost twice as powerful as the original Derwent Is, the Sea Meteor is certainly not lacking for speed and acceleration. However, this upgrade comes with a significant drawback: the extra power means that the Sea Meteor can reach structural failure extremely easily, capable of ripping its wings even in level flight, let alone at the hint of any manoeuvres at high speeds. Despite the importance of maintaining speed in jet gameplay, it is highly recommended to utilise the airbrake if necessary when diving or manoeuvring, lest you become a meteorite heading straight into the sea. The Sea Meteor exhibits the same excellent manoeuvrability of the original Meteor once this immediate issue has been mitigated, and has more than enough thrust to regain speed or separation after an engagement.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 495 || 462 || 290 || ~9 || ~4
+
| 850 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 495 || 462 || 290 || ~9 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)}}
+
{{main|Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, nose-mounted (200 rpg top-left, 190 rpg top-right, 190 rpg bottom-left, 200 rpg bottom-right = 780 total)
+
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, nose-mounted (180 rpg = 720 total)
  
−
The 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons can cause massive damage if properly aimed. However, their muzzle velocity is somewhat average and the air targets belt (easily the best one) does not contain tracers at all, so you must get used to the lead angles while grinding the ammo upgrade.
+
The 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons can cause massive damage if properly aimed. However, their muzzle velocity is somewhat average.
 +
 
 +
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* Without load
 +
* 2 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
Line 140: Line 150:
 
The Sea Meteor is essentially a much more powerful Meteor F Mk 3, and can be played as such. The good handling characteristics of the original Mk 3 are retained, but acceleration, speed, and energy retention are all vastly improved. The main drawback is that the increased weight and speed of the aircraft makes wing ripping much more of a problem, you should be careful during turns and remember that you can pull less Gs than the regular Mk 3. The speed of the Sea Meteor also needs to be kept in check, if left to its own devices it will quite happily accelerate until the wings fall off, even in level flight. If you need to slow yourself down when diving on enemy aircraft the airbrakes should be your first port of call, by keeping the engines spooled up you allow yourself to rapidly accelerate away from your target after an attack.
 
The Sea Meteor is essentially a much more powerful Meteor F Mk 3, and can be played as such. The good handling characteristics of the original Mk 3 are retained, but acceleration, speed, and energy retention are all vastly improved. The main drawback is that the increased weight and speed of the aircraft makes wing ripping much more of a problem, you should be careful during turns and remember that you can pull less Gs than the regular Mk 3. The speed of the Sea Meteor also needs to be kept in check, if left to its own devices it will quite happily accelerate until the wings fall off, even in level flight. If you need to slow yourself down when diving on enemy aircraft the airbrakes should be your first port of call, by keeping the engines spooled up you allow yourself to rapidly accelerate away from your target after an attack.
  
−
Currently 8.sept.2022
+
;Enemies worth noting
−
* La-200                 Faster
+
* [[F-84 (Family)|F-84G models]] - They have a similar top speed to the Sea Meteor F Mk 3 and a higher wing rip speed. The higher wing rip speed gives the F-84Gs an advantage in a high speed dive.
−
* Il-28                     Faster or Equal
+
* [[La-200]] - It is faster and has a higher wing rip speed than the Sea Meteor F Mk 3 and will be able to catch up to the Sea Meteor when speeding away.
−
* F-84 models        Faster or Equal
+
* [[IL-28 (Family)]] - It has a similar top speed to the Sea Meteor F Mk 3.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
−
=== In-game description ===
+
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
The Gloster Meteor was the RAF's first jet powered aircraft, and the only Allied jet to see combat in the Second World War. An all-metal, single-seat fighter with two turbojet engines, it first entered service in 1944. The aircraft's development started in August 1940 and was given Air Ministry approval in November of the same year. The Ministry of Aircraft Production drew up the official F.9/40 specifications for a heavy interceptor fighter to be designated as Type G.41; the first prototype fighter flew on March 5th 1943 at RAF Cranwell. At the beginning of 1944, the aircraft was launched into full-scale production under the designation of Gloster Meteor F.Mk.I (Type G.41A). The type entered service with No 616 Squadron who, after conversion to the Meteor from their Spitfire Mk.VIIs, used the ground breaking fighter to successfully intercept V-1 'flying bombs' which were being launched from bases in occupied Europe to attack targets in England.
 
The Gloster Meteor was the RAF's first jet powered aircraft, and the only Allied jet to see combat in the Second World War. An all-metal, single-seat fighter with two turbojet engines, it first entered service in 1944. The aircraft's development started in August 1940 and was given Air Ministry approval in November of the same year. The Ministry of Aircraft Production drew up the official F.9/40 specifications for a heavy interceptor fighter to be designated as Type G.41; the first prototype fighter flew on March 5th 1943 at RAF Cranwell. At the beginning of 1944, the aircraft was launched into full-scale production under the designation of Gloster Meteor F.Mk.I (Type G.41A). The type entered service with No 616 Squadron who, after conversion to the Meteor from their Spitfire Mk.VIIs, used the ground breaking fighter to successfully intercept V-1 'flying bombs' which were being launched from bases in occupied Europe to attack targets in England.
  
 
The Gloster Meteor F.Mk.III fighter that entered service in August 1944 became the first full-scale production version of the aircraft. The F.Mk.III version was powered by two Rolls-Royce Derwent Mk.I turbojet engines producing 910 kg of thrust. Furthermore, a number of changes were introduced in the design: the dive flaps were improved, the fuel quantity was increased, and the airframe was partially reinforced. Externally, the F.Mk.III differed from the F.Mk.I by its new cockpit canopy, which was not side-opening but sliding.
 
The Gloster Meteor F.Mk.III fighter that entered service in August 1944 became the first full-scale production version of the aircraft. The F.Mk.III version was powered by two Rolls-Royce Derwent Mk.I turbojet engines producing 910 kg of thrust. Furthermore, a number of changes were introduced in the design: the dive flaps were improved, the fuel quantity was increased, and the airframe was partially reinforced. Externally, the F.Mk.III differed from the F.Mk.I by its new cockpit canopy, which was not side-opening but sliding.
  
−
The fighter's armament consisted of four 20mm British Hispano Mk.II cannons with 200 rounds per gun in the upper pair and 190 rounds per gun in the lower pair.
+
The fighter's armament consisted of four 20 mm British Hispano Mk.II cannons with 200 rounds per gun in the upper pair and 190 rounds per gun in the lower pair.
  
−
A 180-gallon (818 L) fuel tank could be suspended under the fuselage. Two 100-gallon (455 L) external fuel tanks could also be mounted under the wing panels. As an experiment, the suspension of two 500-lb (227 kg) or 1,000 (454 kg) bombs or 16 rockets was attempted.
+
A 180-gallon (818 L) fuel tank could be suspended under the fuselage. Two 100-gallon (455 L) external fuel tanks could also be mounted under the wing panels. As an experiment, the suspension of two 500 b (227 kg) or 1,000 (454 kg) bombs or 16 rockets was attempted.
  
 
The first F.Mk.III fighters produced in September 1944 had Rolls-Royce Welland engines producing 770 kg of thrust, as the Rolls-Royce Derwents were not yet mass-produced. These aircraft were designated as the G.41C. The 16th and subsequent production aircraft were the first to have standard Derwent Mk.I engines; these were designated as the G.41D. The last 15 production aircraft assembled were the G.41E version, with extended nacelles designed for the subsequent version of the F.Mk.4.
 
The first F.Mk.III fighters produced in September 1944 had Rolls-Royce Welland engines producing 770 kg of thrust, as the Rolls-Royce Derwents were not yet mass-produced. These aircraft were designated as the G.41C. The 16th and subsequent production aircraft were the first to have standard Derwent Mk.I engines; these were designated as the G.41D. The last 15 production aircraft assembled were the G.41E version, with extended nacelles designed for the subsequent version of the F.Mk.4.
Line 184: Line 196:
  
 
The total number of F.Mk.III Gloster Meteors built was 210, but service after the end of the Second World War would see further development and operational sorties in combat.
 
The total number of F.Mk.III Gloster Meteors built was 210, but service after the end of the Second World War would see further development and operational sorties in combat.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 190: Line 203:
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
  
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=britain&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=meteor_fmk3_navy Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=meteor_fmk3_navy Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
Line 209: Line 222:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.ru/index.php?/topic/322691-gloster-sea-meteor/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance | Russian forum only]
 
* [[wikipedia:Gloster_Meteor|[Wikipedia] Gloster Meteor]]
 
* [[wikipedia:Gloster_Meteor|[Wikipedia] Gloster Meteor]]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Gloster}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Gloster}}
 
{{Britain jet aircraft}}
 
{{Britain jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 15:22, 22 June 2024

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the British jet fighter Sea Meteor F Mk 3. For other versions, see Meteor (Family).
Sea Meteor F Mk 3
meteor_fmk3_navy.png
GarageImage Sea Meteor F Mk 3.jpg
Sea Meteor F Mk 3
Britain flag.png Britain
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
7.7 7.3 7.3
Class:
Research:53 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:300 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

In 1948, two Meteor F Mk 3s were navalised for carrier trials. They were fitted with tail hooks and had reinforced underbellies and landing gear, as well as being equipped with the new, more powerful Derwent 5 jet engines. The two aircraft undertook a number of take-off and landing tests aboard HMS Illustrious and Implacable. While the Royal Navy were impressed with their performance, it was instead decided to commission the Supermarine Attacker for the role.

In the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, the Sea Meteor solves one of the main issues of the preceding Meteor F Mk 3: its relatively lacklustre engine performance. Equipped with engines almost twice as powerful as the original Derwent Is, the Sea Meteor is certainly not lacking for speed and acceleration. However, this upgrade comes with a significant drawback: the extra power means that the Sea Meteor can reach structural failure extremely easily, capable of ripping its wings even in level flight, let alone at the hint of any manoeuvres at high speeds. Despite the importance of maintaining speed in jet gameplay, it is highly recommended to utilise the airbrake if necessary when diving or manoeuvring, lest you become a meteorite heading straight into the sea. The Sea Meteor exhibits the same excellent manoeuvrability of the original Meteor once this immediate issue has been mitigated, and has more than enough thrust to regain speed or separation after an engagement.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 2 439 m927 km/h
Turn time20 s
Max altitude12 500 m
Engine2 х Rolls-Royce Derwent 5
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight7 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 2,439 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 880 853 12500 20.3 21.5 29.8 28.2 325
Upgraded 948 927 19.8 20.0 42.8 36.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
850 390 495 462 290 ~9 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 450 < 600 < 520 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Rolls-Royce Derwent 5 2 5,629 kg 197 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 5m fuel 19m fuel
443 kg Centrifugal-flow turbojet 5,989 kg 6,829 kg 6,940 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
Condition 100% WEP 5m fuel 19m fuel MTOW
Stationary 1,587 kgf N/A 0.53 0.46 0.46
Optimal 1,587 kgf
(0 km/h) 		N/A 0.53 0.46 0.46

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear390 km/h
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
  • 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
  • 12.7 mm Steel plate in the nose.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 293 → 4 689 Sl icon.png
RB9 078 → 12 927 Sl icon.png
SB12 689 → 18 069 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications91 400 Rp icon.png
147 800 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training86 000 Sl icon.png
Experts300 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 700 Ge icon.png
Research Aces720 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 350 / 600 % Sl icon.png
196 / 196 / 196 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
6 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
6 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 200 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 200 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 200 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
24 000 Sl icon.png
590 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
24 000 Sl icon.png
590 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GLBC mk.3
Research:
6 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1943
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 200 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannon
Ammunition720 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)

The Sea Meteor F Mk 3 is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, nose-mounted (180 rpg = 720 total)

The 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons can cause massive damage if properly aimed. However, their muzzle velocity is somewhat average.

Suspended armament

List of setups (1)
Setup 12 x 1000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bomb
Main article: H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)

The Sea Meteor F Mk 3 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (2,000 lb total)

Usage in battles

The Sea Meteor F Mk 3 is navalised version of the Meteor F Mk 3. While the navalised components (tail hook, stronger gear, etc.) have added approximately 1,250 kg to the aircraft's weight, the Sea Meteor has also had its Derwent 2 engines replaced with vastly more powerful Derwent 5 engines. The end result is that the Sea Meteor has a ~25% increase in thrust to weight ratio over the Meteor F Mk 3. This improvement gives the Sea Meteor excellent acceleration and speed compared to its predecessor.

The Sea Meteor is essentially a much more powerful Meteor F Mk 3, and can be played as such. The good handling characteristics of the original Mk 3 are retained, but acceleration, speed, and energy retention are all vastly improved. The main drawback is that the increased weight and speed of the aircraft makes wing ripping much more of a problem, you should be careful during turns and remember that you can pull less Gs than the regular Mk 3. The speed of the Sea Meteor also needs to be kept in check, if left to its own devices it will quite happily accelerate until the wings fall off, even in level flight. If you need to slow yourself down when diving on enemy aircraft the airbrakes should be your first port of call, by keeping the engines spooled up you allow yourself to rapidly accelerate away from your target after an attack.

Enemies worth noting
  • F-84G models - They have a similar top speed to the Sea Meteor F Mk 3 and a higher wing rip speed. The higher wing rip speed gives the F-84Gs an advantage in a high speed dive.
  • La-200 - It is faster and has a higher wing rip speed than the Sea Meteor F Mk 3 and will be able to catch up to the Sea Meteor when speeding away.
  • IL-28 (Family) - It has a similar top speed to the Sea Meteor F Mk 3.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good turn time
  • Plenty of cannon ammo (190 RPG on two of the guns, 200 RPG on the other two)
  • Extremely fast
  • Good acceleration
  • Very good energy retention
  • Faster than most aircraft it faces when down-tiered

Cons:

  • Loses manoeuvrability at higher speeds
  • Wings rip easily both due to speed and g-load
  • It is possible to exceed wing rip speed in level flight
  • Average velocity guns makes aiming hard
  • Lacklustre roll rate

History


Archive of the in-game description

The Gloster Meteor was the RAF's first jet powered aircraft, and the only Allied jet to see combat in the Second World War. An all-metal, single-seat fighter with two turbojet engines, it first entered service in 1944. The aircraft's development started in August 1940 and was given Air Ministry approval in November of the same year. The Ministry of Aircraft Production drew up the official F.9/40 specifications for a heavy interceptor fighter to be designated as Type G.41; the first prototype fighter flew on March 5th 1943 at RAF Cranwell. At the beginning of 1944, the aircraft was launched into full-scale production under the designation of Gloster Meteor F.Mk.I (Type G.41A). The type entered service with No 616 Squadron who, after conversion to the Meteor from their Spitfire Mk.VIIs, used the ground breaking fighter to successfully intercept V-1 'flying bombs' which were being launched from bases in occupied Europe to attack targets in England.

The Gloster Meteor F.Mk.III fighter that entered service in August 1944 became the first full-scale production version of the aircraft. The F.Mk.III version was powered by two Rolls-Royce Derwent Mk.I turbojet engines producing 910 kg of thrust. Furthermore, a number of changes were introduced in the design: the dive flaps were improved, the fuel quantity was increased, and the airframe was partially reinforced. Externally, the F.Mk.III differed from the F.Mk.I by its new cockpit canopy, which was not side-opening but sliding.

The fighter's armament consisted of four 20 mm British Hispano Mk.II cannons with 200 rounds per gun in the upper pair and 190 rounds per gun in the lower pair.

A 180-gallon (818 L) fuel tank could be suspended under the fuselage. Two 100-gallon (455 L) external fuel tanks could also be mounted under the wing panels. As an experiment, the suspension of two 500 b (227 kg) or 1,000 (454 kg) bombs or 16 rockets was attempted.

The first F.Mk.III fighters produced in September 1944 had Rolls-Royce Welland engines producing 770 kg of thrust, as the Rolls-Royce Derwents were not yet mass-produced. These aircraft were designated as the G.41C. The 16th and subsequent production aircraft were the first to have standard Derwent Mk.I engines; these were designated as the G.41D. The last 15 production aircraft assembled were the G.41E version, with extended nacelles designed for the subsequent version of the F.Mk.4.

In 1948, two production aircraft were converted to the Gloster (Sea) Meteor F.Mk.3 version for Royal Navy test flights from aircraft carriers. The fighters had their armament removed, a landing hook fitted, and the gear legs reinforced. The Derwent Mk.1 engines were replaced with Derwent Mk.5 models. These aircraft performed 32 landings on board HMS Illustrious.

The Gloster Meteor was the first British production jet fighter and the only Allied jet aircraft to take part in World War II. The first F.Mk.IIIs were delivered to the front in the end of January 1945. Jet aircraft were considered to be secret and, as a result, a great number of limitations were imposed on their combat use. This included a complete withdrawal of permission to operate over German held territory in case the revolutionary technology was captured by the enemy. Meteors did eventually operate out of Belgium as part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force, where they were employed in ground attack and reconnaissance missions.

The total number of F.Mk.III Gloster Meteors built was 210, but service after the end of the Second World War would see further development and operational sorties in combat.


Media

Skins
Videos
Dangerously Underrated: Sea Meteor Mk3 - Spit_flyer

See also

Related development

External links


Gloster Aircraft Company, Limited
Fighters  Gladiator Mk II · Sea Gladiator Mk I · Gladiator Mk IIF · Gladiator Mk IIS · Tuck's Gladiator Mk II
Jet Fighters  Meteor F Mk 3 · Sea Meteor F Mk 3 · Meteor F Mk 4 G.41F · Meteor F Mk 4 G.41G · Meteor F Mk 8 G.41K · Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper
  Javelin F.(A.W.) Mk.9
Export  J8A · Iacobi's J8A · ␗Gladiator Mk I · ▄Gladiator Mk I
  ▄Meteor F Mk.8 · Meteor F.8 · Meteor NF.13
See Also  Fokker

Britain jet aircraft
Blackburn  Buccaneer S.1 · Buccaneer S.2 · Buccaneer S.2B
British Aerospace  Harrier GR.7 · Sea Harrier FRS.1 (e) · Sea Harrier FRS.1 · Sea Harrier FA 2
British Aircraft Corporation  Strikemaster Mk.88
English Electric  Canberra B Mk 2 · Canberra B (I) Mk 6 · Lightning F.6 · Lightning F.53
Gloster  Meteor F Mk 3 · Sea Meteor F Mk 3 · Meteor F Mk 4 G.41F · Meteor F Mk 4 G.41G · Meteor F Mk 8 G.41K · Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper
  Javelin F.(A.W.) Mk.9
de Havilland  Vampire F.B.5 · Venom FB.4 · Sea Venom FAW 20 · Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2
Hawker  Sea Hawk FGA.6 · Hunter F.1 · Hunter F.6 · Hunter FGA.9 · Harrier GR.1 · Harrier GR.3
Panavia  Tornado GR.1 · Tornado GR.4 · Tornado F.3 · Tornado F.3 Late
SEPECAT  Jaguar GR.1 · Jaguar GR.1A · Jaguar IS
Supermarine  Attacker FB 1 · Attacker FB.2 · Scimitar F Mk.1 · Swift F.1 · Swift F.7
Foreign  Phantom FG.1 (USA) · Phantom FGR.2 (USA) · F-4J(UK) Phantom II (USA)
Australia  F-111C
India  ▄MiG-21 Bison
South Africa  ▄JAS39C

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