Difference between revisions of "Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=meteor_fmk8_reaper
 
|code=meteor_fmk8_reaper
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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 premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} British jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} British jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]] as a [[wt:en/news/5924-development-shop-jet-packs-en|premium pack]] in the Gaijin store, but was discontinued after [[wt:en/news/6464-shop-war-thunder-birthday-sale-en|War Thunder's 7th Anniversary]]. It was later reintroduced as a premium purchasable for Golden Eagles {{ge}} after [[wt:en/news/6907-special-8th-anniversary-of-war-thunder-en|War Thunder's 8th Anniversary]].
  
−
The ''Reaper'' is a dedicated ground-attack variant based on the 'standard' Meteor F Mk.8 (G.41K) fighter-bomber which did not progress beyond its prototype stage. Thanks to a number of modifications, it would have been capable of carrying twice the payload of the standard Meteor F.8. However, combat experience of the Meteor F.8 in Korea showed that the base type had reached its technical limitations and would have been outclassed in any future conflict; the appearance of more modern types such as the Hawker Hunter and Supermarine Swift - and equivalent foreign designs - led to a loss of interest in the type.
+
The ''Reaper'' is a dedicated ground-attack variant based on the 'standard' Meteor F Mk.8 (G.41K) fighter-bomber which did not progress beyond its prototype stage. Thanks to a number of modifications, it would have been capable of carrying twice the payload of the standard Meteor F.8. However, combat experience of the Meteor F.8 in Korea showed that the base type had reached its technical limitations and would have been outclassed in any future conflict; the appearance of more modern types such as the Hawker Hunter and Supermarine Swift - and equivalent foreign designs - led to a loss of interest in the type.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 520 || 520 || 290 || ~11 || ~5
+
| 999 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 495 || 462 || 290 || ~11 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|}
 
|}
  
−
====Engine performance====
+
==== Engine performance ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
−
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
+
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
|-
 
|-
 
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Derwent 8 || 2
 
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Derwent 8 || 2
−
| colspan="2" | 5,383 kg || colspan="2" | 213 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
| colspan="2" | 5,496 kg || colspan="2" | 216 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
−
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br/>Weight
+
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
−
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel
+
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 23m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 443 kg || colspan="2" | Centrifugal-flow turbojet
 
| 443 kg || colspan="2" | Centrifugal-flow turbojet
−
| 5,864 kg || 6,422 kg || 6,930 kg || 8,061 kg
+
| 5,953 kg || 6,796 kg || 7,020 kg || 8,061 kg
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
+
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
 
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Condition || 100% || WEP
 
! Condition || 100% || WEP
−
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || MTOW
+
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 23m fuel || MTOW
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ''Stationary'' || 1,633 kgf || N/A
 
| ''Stationary'' || 1,633 kgf || N/A
−
| 0.56 || 0.51 || 0.47 || 0.41
+
| 0.55 || 0.48 || 0.47 || 0.41
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Optimal'' || 1,633 kgf<br/>(0 km/h) || N/A
+
| ''Optimal'' || 1,633 kgf<br>(0 km/h) || N/A
−
| 0.56 || 0.51 || 0.47 || 0.41
+
| 0.55 || 0.48 || 0.47 || 0.41
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
−
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Armour plates
 +
 
 +
* 38 mm (60°) Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
 +
* 12.7 mm Steel plate in the nose.
 +
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
 +
 
 +
;Critical components
 +
 
 +
* Self-sealing fuel tanks are located behind the pilot on the central airframe.
 +
* Engines and cooling systems are in the wings.
 +
* Traction cables of control surfaces run in the tail section and in the wings.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 133: Line 145:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I (1,000 lb)|G.P. Mk.I (1,000 lb)|RP-3}}
+
{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|M.C. Mk.I (1,000 lb)|H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|RP-3}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
Line 139: Line 151:
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
 
* 4 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
* 4 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)
−
* 4 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bombs (4,000 lb total)
+
* 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (4,000 lb total)
−
* 4 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (4,000 lb total)
+
* 4 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (4,000 lb total)
 
* 24 x RP-3 rockets
 
* 24 x RP-3 rockets
−
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 16 x RP-3 rockets (1,000 lb total)
+
* 16 x RP-3 rockets + 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
−
* 2 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bombs + 16 x RP-3 rockets (2,000 lb total)
+
* 16 x RP-3 rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (2,000 lb total)
−
* 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 16 x RP-3 rockets (2,000 lb total)
+
* 16 x RP-3 rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
'''As a fighter:'''
 +
 
 +
The Meteor Mk. 8 can play both as an energy fighter and a turn fighter. While not as manoeuvrable as a Vampire or a Venom, it can still outturn most of its opposition, but will bleed a lot of precious speed doing so. It's often better to energy trap your target, and save turnfights for emergencies or for times you're sure no third party would interfere.
 +
 
 +
The Meteor's control surfaces work best in the 400-700 km/h range, but they don't lock up too badly even at the red line. Below 300 km/h, it begins to really struggle, even with flaps out. The rudder is pretty weak, so you will often find yourself slipping to the side for a while after exiting a hard turn.
 +
 
 +
As any jet, Meteor does not take damage well. Any black wing segment or engine cowling will cut your level max speed to about 550 km/h - way too slow to continue fighting. It also can't return to base on one engine, unless you're already close, as there just isn't enough power to keep you flying level.
 +
 
 +
Finally, there is no optimal option for fuel load. 6 minutes of fuel is just about enough to take off, fight in a couple of engagements and return, which makes flying from and to the airfield a larger proportion of your game time. 20 minutes load, while more than enough to last you through the entire battle, is considerably heavier, making speed losses that much painful, and therefore it requires more conservative fighting style.
 +
 
 +
Notable enemies:
 +
 
 +
* [[La-200]] will outrun you in most circumstances. It has relatively small ammo pool and bad at turning, so practice defensive flying.
 +
* [[A28B]], Italian [[Vampire FB 52A]], and [[Ho 229 V3]]: These can and will outturn you if given the opportunity, but are generally slower than Meteor in a straight line.
 +
* [[Ki-200]] and [[Me 163 B]] will both outrun and outturn you. Getting a numerical advantage is your best bet.
 +
* [[G.91 (Family)|G.91 series]] have higher max speed than you and can keep up in turns. R/4 variant also has air to air missiles that you will need to be careful around. It doesn't have the best energy retention, so depending on the situation, you may turnfight them into a stall, or at least force it to do 180 and run away for a while.
 +
 
 +
'''As a ground attacker:'''
 +
 
 +
Bombs: Reaper can carry 4 x 1,000 lb bombs, which is just one shy destroying an entire base on most maps. Since it has no air spawn, the best strategy for base bombing is flying close to the ground as fast as possible, sometimes even circling around the map to avoid interceptors. You will often still arrive after your team's attackers and bombers have had their run, at which point it's better to last hit whatever they left. If instead of bases you want to hit ground units, you can also take 500 lb bombs instead for better flight characteristics in exchange for more precision requirement.
 +
 
 +
Rockets: 24 RP-3 rockets can decimate ground units. However, 2/3 of them are wing-mounted, making them much harder to aim. This loadout adds a lot of drag too, so it's better to go for rockets once the sky is relatively clear.
 +
 
 +
The Hispano Mk.V's AP rounds can damage light pillboxes, so if you find no enemies to use your ammo on, you can always take out 5-6 pillboxes on your way back for a neat profit.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 +
'''Pros:'''
  
−
'''Pros:'''
+
* Effective in turnfights
−
*
+
* High ammo capacity
 +
* Strong ground attack loadouts
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Mediocre top speed
 +
* Slow acceleration
 +
* Red livery results into it being quite easy to spot in RB and SB
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 162: Line 203:
 
With the appearance of the Meteor F.8 (Type G.41K) in 1949, which offered an overall improved performance over the earlier F.4 variant, a number of studies were launched aimed at increasing the versatility of the Meteor. One obvious path given the type's improved performance and stability as a gun platform was that of a dedicated ground attack platform, the so-called ''Ground Attack Fighter'' (GAF, or G.44), which was started as a private venture by Gloster.
 
With the appearance of the Meteor F.8 (Type G.41K) in 1949, which offered an overall improved performance over the earlier F.4 variant, a number of studies were launched aimed at increasing the versatility of the Meteor. One obvious path given the type's improved performance and stability as a gun platform was that of a dedicated ground attack platform, the so-called ''Ground Attack Fighter'' (GAF, or G.44), which was started as a private venture by Gloster.
  
−
Initial studies of the GAF foresaw the modification of a standard F.8 airframe with new outer wing panels, fitted with 4 additional 20 mm Hispano cannons similar to the armament lay-out on the Meteor NF.11 night fighter variant, albeit with cropped wing tips similar to those on the standard F.8. This early design initially presented some problematic flight characteristics, mostly linked to the wing's reduced torsional stiffness caused by the wing gun bays: aileron reversal set in at speeds above 550 kph/885 kmh, which was considered unacceptable for a single-seater fighter-bomber. Work was done to rectify this, and eventually the reinforced wings allowed a maximum speed of 600 mph/965 kph while retaining the wing-mounted armament of four Hispano cannons with 160 rounds each.
+
Initial studies of the GAF foresaw the modification of a standard F.8 airframe with new outer wing panels, fitted with 4 additional 20 mm Hispano cannons similar to the armament lay-out on the Meteor NF.11 night fighter variant, albeit with cropped wing tips similar to those on the standard F.8. This early design initially presented some problematic flight characteristics, mostly linked to the wing's reduced torsional stiffness caused by the wing gun bays: aileron reversal set in at speeds above 885 km/h (550 mph), which was considered unacceptable for a single-seater fighter-bomber. Work was done to rectify this, and eventually the reinforced wings allowed a maximum speed of 965 km/h (600 mph) while retaining the wing-mounted armament of four Hispano cannons with 160 rounds each.
  
−
By the time this issue had been rectified, priorities for the design had changed. Rather than focussing on an eight-gun fixed armament, priority was given to the ability to carry an increased payload; as a result, the wing-mounted fixed armament was suppressed, and instead the wing panels were redesigned and restressed to allow the carriage of an increased underwing armament. The stiffened wings and addition of spring tab ailerons increased the type's high-speed handling. Armament options for the redesigned GAF included either a single 1,000 lb GP bomb, or up to 8 unguided 60 lb RP-3 rocket projectiles on each side. So as not to affect the range of the GAF when she was carrying her underwing armament, provisions were made for 100 gal (imp) (454 litre) jettisonable tip-mounted fuel tanks. Additionally, hardpoint mountings were added to the fuselage where the belly-mounted fuel tank was usually fitted, which further increased the Reaper's carrying capacity. These could be used for either additional RP-3 rockets or up to two 1000 lb bombs. Gloster also designed a belly-mounted pod was designed which could be carried in lieu of the usually-mounted belly tank, and which could carry an additional armament of either 2 x 20 mm Hispano or 2 x 30 mm ADEN cannons, each armed with 100 rounds per gun.
+
By the time this issue had been rectified, priorities for the design had changed. Rather than focussing on an eight-gun fixed armament, priority was given to the ability to carry an increased payload; as a result, the wing-mounted fixed armament was suppressed, and instead the wing panels were redesigned and restressed to allow the carriage of an increased underwing armament. The stiffened wings and addition of spring tab ailerons increased the type's high-speed handling. Armament options for the redesigned GAF included either a single 1,000 lb GP bomb, or up to 8 unguided 60 lb RP-3 rocket projectiles on each side. So as not to affect the range of the GAF when she was carrying her underwing armament, provisions were made for 100 gal (imp) (454 litre) jettisonable tip-mounted fuel tanks. Additionally, hardpoint mountings were added to the fuselage where the belly-mounted fuel tank was usually fitted, which further increased the Reaper's carrying capacity. These could be used for either additional RP-3 rockets or up to two 1,000 lb bombs. Gloster also designed a belly-mounted pod was designed which could be carried in lieu of the usually-mounted belly tank, and which could carry an additional armament of either 2 x 20 mm Hispano or 2 x 30 mm ADEN cannons, each armed with 100 rounds per gun.
  
−
With the design finalised, Gloster financed the construction of a single prototype of the GAF/G.44, which by now had gained the nick-name of 'Reaper'. The prototype, construction number G5/1210, was registered with the civilian registration G-AMCJ on June 19th 1950, initially receiving Gloster's carmine red house colours, and was demonstrated as such at the 1950 Farnborough air show. As a prototype for the Reaper, she only lacked the airfield arrestor hook and rocket-assisted take-off gear (RATOG) planned for the serial production model.
+
With the design finalised, Gloster financed the construction of a single prototype of the GAF/G.44, which by now had gained the nick-name of "Reaper". The prototype, construction number G5/1210, was registered with the civilian registration G-AMCJ on June 19th 1950, initially receiving Gloster's carmine red house colours, and was demonstrated as such at the 1950 Farnborough air show. As a prototype for the Reaper, she only lacked the airfield arrestor hook and rocket-assisted take-off gear (RATOG) planned for the serial production model.
  
 
The carmine red livery and civilian registration were relatively short-lived; on February 1st 1951 G-AMCJ was de-registered and reverted to a B-type military test serial, becoming G-7-1, an all-silver aircraft. For the next three years, she was used as a test aircraft, however interest in the Ground Attack Fighter waned as new types such as the Hawker Hunter and Supermarine Swift arrived. For a brief moment in 1953, the Indian Air Force expressed interest in the type, but due to poor experiences with the service provided by another British aircraft manufacturer in mind, they ended up selecting the French Dassault Ouragan instead.
 
The carmine red livery and civilian registration were relatively short-lived; on February 1st 1951 G-AMCJ was de-registered and reverted to a B-type military test serial, becoming G-7-1, an all-silver aircraft. For the next three years, she was used as a test aircraft, however interest in the Ground Attack Fighter waned as new types such as the Hawker Hunter and Supermarine Swift arrived. For a brief moment in 1953, the Indian Air Force expressed interest in the type, but due to poor experiences with the service provided by another British aircraft manufacturer in mind, they ended up selecting the French Dassault Ouragan instead.
Line 180: Line 221:
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23meteormk8 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=meteor_fmk8_reaper Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
Line 187: Line 229:
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
Line 193: Line 236:
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 
* [[wt:en/news/5924-development-shop-jet-packs-en|[Shop] Jet Packs!]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/5924-development-shop-jet-packs-en|[Shop] Jet Packs!]]
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/264949-gloster-meteor-f-mk8-g41k/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Gloster}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Gloster}}
 
{{Britain jet aircraft}}
 
{{Britain jet aircraft}}
 
{{Britain premium aircraft}}
 
{{Britain premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 20:03, 15 September 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the premium British jet fighter Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper. For the regular version, see Meteor F Mk 8 G.41K. For other versions, see Meteor (Family).
Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper
meteor_fmk8_reaper.png
GarageImage Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper.jpg
ArtImage Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper.png
Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper
Britain flag.png Britain
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
7.7 8.0 8.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:8 380 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

The Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper is a premium rank V British jet fighter with a battle rating of 7.7 (AB) and 8.0 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic" as a premium pack in the Gaijin store, but was discontinued after War Thunder's 7th Anniversary. It was later reintroduced as a premium purchasable for Golden Eagles Ge icon.png after War Thunder's 8th Anniversary.

The Reaper is a dedicated ground-attack variant based on the 'standard' Meteor F Mk.8 (G.41K) fighter-bomber which did not progress beyond its prototype stage. Thanks to a number of modifications, it would have been capable of carrying twice the payload of the standard Meteor F.8. However, combat experience of the Meteor F.8 in Korea showed that the base type had reached its technical limitations and would have been outclassed in any future conflict; the appearance of more modern types such as the Hawker Hunter and Supermarine Swift - and equivalent foreign designs - led to a loss of interest in the type.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 100 m962 km/h
Turn time23 s
Max altitude12 500 m
Engine2 х Rolls-Royce Derwent 8
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight8 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 100 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 920 897 12500 24.1 24.7 33.6 31.7 325
Upgraded 976 962 22.2 23.0 47.4 40.2

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
999 390 495 462 290 ~11 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 560 < 600 < 620 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Rolls-Royce Derwent 8 2 5,496 kg 216 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 7m fuel 20m fuel 23m fuel
443 kg Centrifugal-flow turbojet 5,953 kg 6,796 kg 7,020 kg 8,061 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
Condition 100% WEP 7m fuel 20m fuel 23m fuel MTOW
Stationary 1,633 kgf N/A 0.55 0.48 0.47 0.41
Optimal 1,633 kgf
(0 km/h) 		N/A 0.55 0.48 0.47 0.41

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear390 km/h
Armour plates
  • 38 mm (60°) Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
  • 12.7 mm Steel plate in the nose.
  • 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
Critical components
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks are located behind the pilot on the central airframe.
  • Engines and cooling systems are in the wings.
  • Traction cables of control surfaces run in the tail section and in the wings.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB2 338 Sl icon.png
RB6 726 Sl icon.png
SB8 349 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts550 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 550 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 130 / 380 / 600 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 202 / 202 / 202 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
HMBC mk.2
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GLBC mk.3
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk5_new_gun
Mods pilon rocket.png
GRC mk.8

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannon
Ammunition780 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main article: Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)

The Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, nose-mounted (200 rpg upper + 180 rpg lower = 780 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (7)
Setup 14 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 24 x 1000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bomb
Setup 34 x 1000 lb M.C. Mk.I bomb
Setup 412 x RP-3 rockets
12 x RP-3 rockets
Setup 52 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
8 x RP-3 rockets
8 x RP-3 rockets
Setup 62 x 1000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bomb
8 x RP-3 rockets
8 x RP-3 rockets
Setup 72 x 1000 lb M.C. Mk.I bomb
8 x RP-3 rockets
8 x RP-3 rockets
Main articles: G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb), M.C. Mk.I (1,000 lb), H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb), RP-3

The Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 4 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 24 x RP-3 rockets
  • 16 x RP-3 rockets + 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 16 x RP-3 rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 16 x RP-3 rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)

Usage in battles

As a fighter:

The Meteor Mk. 8 can play both as an energy fighter and a turn fighter. While not as manoeuvrable as a Vampire or a Venom, it can still outturn most of its opposition, but will bleed a lot of precious speed doing so. It's often better to energy trap your target, and save turnfights for emergencies or for times you're sure no third party would interfere.

The Meteor's control surfaces work best in the 400-700 km/h range, but they don't lock up too badly even at the red line. Below 300 km/h, it begins to really struggle, even with flaps out. The rudder is pretty weak, so you will often find yourself slipping to the side for a while after exiting a hard turn.

As any jet, Meteor does not take damage well. Any black wing segment or engine cowling will cut your level max speed to about 550 km/h - way too slow to continue fighting. It also can't return to base on one engine, unless you're already close, as there just isn't enough power to keep you flying level.

Finally, there is no optimal option for fuel load. 6 minutes of fuel is just about enough to take off, fight in a couple of engagements and return, which makes flying from and to the airfield a larger proportion of your game time. 20 minutes load, while more than enough to last you through the entire battle, is considerably heavier, making speed losses that much painful, and therefore it requires more conservative fighting style.

Notable enemies:

  • La-200 will outrun you in most circumstances. It has relatively small ammo pool and bad at turning, so practice defensive flying.
  • A28B, Italian Vampire FB 52A, and Ho 229 V3: These can and will outturn you if given the opportunity, but are generally slower than Meteor in a straight line.
  • Ki-200 and Me 163 B will both outrun and outturn you. Getting a numerical advantage is your best bet.
  • G.91 series have higher max speed than you and can keep up in turns. R/4 variant also has air to air missiles that you will need to be careful around. It doesn't have the best energy retention, so depending on the situation, you may turnfight them into a stall, or at least force it to do 180 and run away for a while.

As a ground attacker:

Bombs: Reaper can carry 4 x 1,000 lb bombs, which is just one shy destroying an entire base on most maps. Since it has no air spawn, the best strategy for base bombing is flying close to the ground as fast as possible, sometimes even circling around the map to avoid interceptors. You will often still arrive after your team's attackers and bombers have had their run, at which point it's better to last hit whatever they left. If instead of bases you want to hit ground units, you can also take 500 lb bombs instead for better flight characteristics in exchange for more precision requirement.

Rockets: 24 RP-3 rockets can decimate ground units. However, 2/3 of them are wing-mounted, making them much harder to aim. This loadout adds a lot of drag too, so it's better to go for rockets once the sky is relatively clear.

The Hispano Mk.V's AP rounds can damage light pillboxes, so if you find no enemies to use your ammo on, you can always take out 5-6 pillboxes on your way back for a neat profit.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Effective in turnfights
  • High ammo capacity
  • Strong ground attack loadouts

Cons:

  • Mediocre top speed
  • Slow acceleration
  • Red livery results into it being quite easy to spot in RB and SB

History

With the appearance of the Meteor F.8 (Type G.41K) in 1949, which offered an overall improved performance over the earlier F.4 variant, a number of studies were launched aimed at increasing the versatility of the Meteor. One obvious path given the type's improved performance and stability as a gun platform was that of a dedicated ground attack platform, the so-called Ground Attack Fighter (GAF, or G.44), which was started as a private venture by Gloster.

Initial studies of the GAF foresaw the modification of a standard F.8 airframe with new outer wing panels, fitted with 4 additional 20 mm Hispano cannons similar to the armament lay-out on the Meteor NF.11 night fighter variant, albeit with cropped wing tips similar to those on the standard F.8. This early design initially presented some problematic flight characteristics, mostly linked to the wing's reduced torsional stiffness caused by the wing gun bays: aileron reversal set in at speeds above 885 km/h (550 mph), which was considered unacceptable for a single-seater fighter-bomber. Work was done to rectify this, and eventually the reinforced wings allowed a maximum speed of 965 km/h (600 mph) while retaining the wing-mounted armament of four Hispano cannons with 160 rounds each.

By the time this issue had been rectified, priorities for the design had changed. Rather than focussing on an eight-gun fixed armament, priority was given to the ability to carry an increased payload; as a result, the wing-mounted fixed armament was suppressed, and instead the wing panels were redesigned and restressed to allow the carriage of an increased underwing armament. The stiffened wings and addition of spring tab ailerons increased the type's high-speed handling. Armament options for the redesigned GAF included either a single 1,000 lb GP bomb, or up to 8 unguided 60 lb RP-3 rocket projectiles on each side. So as not to affect the range of the GAF when she was carrying her underwing armament, provisions were made for 100 gal (imp) (454 litre) jettisonable tip-mounted fuel tanks. Additionally, hardpoint mountings were added to the fuselage where the belly-mounted fuel tank was usually fitted, which further increased the Reaper's carrying capacity. These could be used for either additional RP-3 rockets or up to two 1,000 lb bombs. Gloster also designed a belly-mounted pod was designed which could be carried in lieu of the usually-mounted belly tank, and which could carry an additional armament of either 2 x 20 mm Hispano or 2 x 30 mm ADEN cannons, each armed with 100 rounds per gun.

With the design finalised, Gloster financed the construction of a single prototype of the GAF/G.44, which by now had gained the nick-name of "Reaper". The prototype, construction number G5/1210, was registered with the civilian registration G-AMCJ on June 19th 1950, initially receiving Gloster's carmine red house colours, and was demonstrated as such at the 1950 Farnborough air show. As a prototype for the Reaper, she only lacked the airfield arrestor hook and rocket-assisted take-off gear (RATOG) planned for the serial production model.

The carmine red livery and civilian registration were relatively short-lived; on February 1st 1951 G-AMCJ was de-registered and reverted to a B-type military test serial, becoming G-7-1, an all-silver aircraft. For the next three years, she was used as a test aircraft, however interest in the Ground Attack Fighter waned as new types such as the Hawker Hunter and Supermarine Swift arrived. For a brief moment in 1953, the Indian Air Force expressed interest in the type, but due to poor experiences with the service provided by another British aircraft manufacturer in mind, they ended up selecting the French Dassault Ouragan instead.

As interest in the Reaper waned, Gloster began studies for the Meteor Armed Trainer (Project code P.307), which reverted to some of the earlier Reaper design, combining a standard T.7 trainer fuselage with cannon-armed short-span wings. While the P.307 remained unbuilt, the Reaper prototype was rebuilt with a T.7 front fuselage while retaining its F.8 tail and tip-mounted fuel tanks: the 'new' aircraft, construction number G5/1525, was registered as G-ANSO on June 12th 1954. As such, she was used by Gloster as both a company demonstrator and test bed for the next four years.

Eventually, with the appearance of more capable designs, interest in any Gloster Meteor-based designs disappeared, and in November of 1958 Gloster agreed to sell G-ANSO to the Swedish target towing company Svensk Flygtjänsk AB, on the condition that she was refurbished and fitted with standard T.7 outer wing panels and tail surfaces. Following this refurbishment by Flight Refuelling Ltd, she was sold and struck from the British register on August 11th 1959.

Following local conversion to a target tug, the former Reaper prototype, now Meteor T.7 SE-DCC, entered service with Svensk Flygtjänsk AB in February of 1960, remaining in service until July 27th 1974. Following a short stay at the Flygvapenmuseum or Swedish Air Museum at Linköping from September 1974 until September 1976, she ended up in 1977 at the Svedinos Bil- och Flygmuséum (Svedinos car and aircraft museum) in Ugglarp, where restoration was started in 2012 with the intention of cosmetically restoring her to her appearance as the Gloster company demonstrator G-ANSO (albeit retaining her appearance as a 'standard' T.7).

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #144 - Metal Beasts section at 00:32 discusses the Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper.
The bane of tanks discusses the Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper at 3:45 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

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

Britain premium aircraft
Fighters  Tuck's Gladiator Mk II · ▄Boomerang Mk I · ▄Boomerang Mk II · ▄D.520
  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄Corsair F Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II · ▄Thunderbolt Mk.1 · ▄Mustang Mk IA
  Hurricane Mk.I/L FAA M · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe
  Typhoon Mk Ib · MB.5
Twin-engine fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Whirlwind P.9
Jet fighters  Attacker FB.2 · Hunter FGA.9 · Lightning F.53 · Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper · Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2 · F-4J(UK) Phantom II · ▄MiG-21 Bison
Strike aircraft  ▄Wirraway · Beaufighter Mk I (40-mm) · Wyvern S4
  Harrier GR.1 · Strikemaster Mk.88
Bombers  ▄Avenger Mk II · ▄Boston Mk I · ▄Catalina Mk IIIa · ▄DB-7 · ▄Havoc Mk I · ▄Hudson Mk V · Swordfish Mk II

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