Difference between revisions of "Meteor F Mk 3"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(acceleration in pros)
(19 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Specs-Card|code=meteor_fmk3}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=meteor_fmk3}}
 +
{{About
 +
| about = British jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other variants
 +
| link = Meteor (Family)
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
''In the description, the first part needs to 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 screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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.'' -->
 +
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{Break}}
 +
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.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed 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%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,096 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 719 || 694 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.9 || 21.5 || 17.9 || 16.7 || rowspan="2" | 550
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 795 || 755 || 19.6 || 20.0 || 27.7 || 22.5
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 520 || 520 || 290 || ~9 || ~4
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 450 || < 600 || < 520 || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Engine performance ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Engine
 +
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 +
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Derwent 2 || 2
 +
| colspan="2" | 4,280 kg || colspan="2" | 159 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 +
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br />Weight
 +
|-
 +
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 +
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel
 +
|-
 +
| 443 kg || colspan="2" | Centrifugal-flow turbojet
 +
| 4,651 kg || 5,077 kg || 5,503 kg || 5,820 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (109%)
 +
|-
 +
! Condition || 100% || 109%
 +
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel || MTOW
 +
|-
 +
| ''Stationary'' || 900 kgf || 990 kgf
 +
| 0.43 || 0.39 || 0.36 || 0.34
 +
|-
 +
| ''Optimal'' || 900 kgf<br />(0 km/h) || 990 kgf<br />(0 km/h)
 +
| 0.43 || 0.39 || 0.36 || 0.34
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
[[File:Meteor III Screenshot 3.jpg|thumb]]
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
 +
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
 +
* 12.7 mm Steel plate in the nose.
 +
* Critical components located at the front and in the wings of the aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
''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)}}
  
=== Suspended armament ===
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
''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.''
 
  
=== Defensive armament ===
+
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, nose-mounted (200 rpg top + 190 rpg bottom = 780 total)
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
 
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).''
+
[[File:Meteor III Screenshot 2.jpg|thumb]]<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
The toughest enemies to fight in the Meteor F Mk 3 are perhaps the [[Ki-200]], [[Me 163 B|Me 163]], and [[Ho 229 V3|Ho 229]]. These aircraft are faster and have better acceleration.
 +
 
 +
To combat a Ho 229: the flying wing has a worse roll rate than the Meteor so scissors are the best way to counter them. A split-S or an Immelmann is not recommended as the Ho 229 has better energy retention.
 +
 
 +
The Me 163B and the Ki-200 are in theory easier to fight since the main priority is to simply survive long enough that they run out of fuel. The Mark 3 has a higher wing lift to mass ratio. Thus, it can barely out-turn the rocket planes (even with their rocket engines enabled), but this is very dangerous and only the better-skilled pilot will come out of a turn fight alive.
 +
 
 +
If the enemy is smart enough to dive and gather a little more speed for extra manoeuvrability, go up instead and roll over the enemy. If the enemy goes up, go up with it but be prepared for a hammerhead attack.  If one does come, roll yourself over to provide the minimum surface area that he can attack and pitch down to the earth (to gather a little more speed for extra manoeuvrability). Continue doing this until the rocket plane gives up or runs out of fuel.
 +
 
 +
Do not chase the rocket plane directly if it decides to flee, but climb slightly faster than the best rate of climb (approximately 190 knots/350 kmh/220 mph) and if he flies directly overhead for the strike, simply perform a shallow dive and pull a horizontal turn to ruin their approach. Continue doing this until they run out of fuel.
 +
 
 +
=== Modules ===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Tier
 +
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 +
! Survivability
 +
! Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage repair
 +
|
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 20 mm
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
| New 20 mm cannons
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
| G-suit
 +
|
 +
| Cover
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "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:'''
*
+
 
 +
* Good turn rate
 +
* 4 x 20 mm cannons are accurate
 +
* Effective air targets ammo belt
 +
* Decent climb rate and energy retention
 +
* Decent manoeuvrability at low speeds
 +
* Good acceleration for an early jet
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
 
  
== Historical part ==
+
* Low top speed
''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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
* Easily rips wings (500 mph+)
 +
* Below average roll rate
 +
* Poor rear cockpit visibility in Sim battles (hurts when performing scissors)
 +
 
 +
== History ==
 +
[[File:Meteor III Screenshot 1.jpg|thumb|Cockpit of the Meteor Mk 3]]
 +
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
The Gloster Meteor F Mk 3 was the first version of the Meteor to be produced in large numbers, the Mk 3 was significantly heavier than the previous versions of the Meteor, however, it also improved the performance dramatically, the first prototype for the Mk 3 specification (DG209) first flew on the 18th April 1944 and immediately demonstrated its performance improvement by reaching 465mph (748kph) at 16,000ft, this demonstrated a clear performance improvement over the Meteor Mk 1. The initial 15 aircraft of Mk 3 production were fitted with earlier Rolls Royce W.2B/23c Welland powerplant which was carried over from the Meteor Mk 1, these first 15 airframes of course had reduced performance due to these earlier powerplants being used, shortly after production started the Rolls-Royce Derwent I powerplant became available, this engine increased the power to 2000lb of thrust per engine, this was the most common powerplant for the Mk 3, although later in the production run examples were fitted with the later Derwent IV engine which increased thrust to 2,400lb per engine, giving yet another performance improvement. The final 15 production models were fitted with extended engine nacelles in common with those developed for the later Meteor Mk 4, these increased the performance of the aircraft yet again, this would mark the final major modification to the Mk 3 design before the Meteor Mk 4 would begin production.
 +
 
 +
The Meteor Mk 3 was used operationally by No.616 and 504 squadrons during WW2, although they were only used in action by 616 squadron, during the closing months of the war in Europe the Meteor Mk 3 was used by No.616 squadron for armed reconnaissance and ground attack, it was hoped that the Meteor would encounter the Messerschmitt 262 and be able to demonstrate its superior performance, although this confrontation never took place. In the immediate post-war years the Meteor Mk 3 served as the primary fighter for the RAF, until it was replaced by the improved Meteor Mk 4 in mid 1947.
 +
 
 +
=== 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.
 +
[[File:Meteor III Screenshot 4.jpg|thumb]]
 +
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.
 +
 
 +
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.
 +
 
 +
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.
 +
 
 +
=== Notable pilots ===
 +
 
 +
<div><ul>
 +
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:John_Plagis_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|200px|link=User:U64962917#Plagis,_Ioannis_"John"_A.|Top scoring Southern Rhodesian ace pilot [[User:U64962917#Plagis,_Ioannis_"John"_A.|John Plagis]] and highest scoring pilot of Greek origin of WW II. Plagis flew the '''Meteor''' for several years after the end of WW II.]] </li>
 +
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|300px|link=User:U64962917#Olds,_Robin.|In 1948, [[User:U64962917#Olds, Robin|Robin Olds]] transferred to England under the USAF/RAF exchange program where he flew the '''Gloster Meteor''' jet fighter and commanded the No. 1 Squadron at R.A.F. Tangmere.]] </li><!--
 +
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:X.jpg|thumb|none|250px|"Image Description"]] </li>
 +
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:X.jpg|thumb|none|250px|"Image Description"]] </li>-->
 +
</ul></div>
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
== Read 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;''
 
* ''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.''
''ETC.''
 
  
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
 
''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;''
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{AirManufacturer Gloster}}
 +
{{Britain jet aircraft}}

Revision as of 14:08, 17 September 2020

Rank IV USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Tu-1 Pack
meteor_fmk3.png
Meteor F Mk 3
AB RB SB
7.3 7.3 7.0
Research:95 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:270 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the British jet fighter Meteor F Mk 3. For other variants, see Meteor (Family).

Description

GarageImage Meteor F Mk 3.jpg


The Meteor F Mk 3 is a rank V British jet fighter with a battle rating of 7.3 (AB/RB) and 7.0 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

General info

Flight performance

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 6,096 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 719 694 12500 20.9 21.5 17.9 16.7 550
Upgraded 795 755 19.6 20.0 27.7 22.5

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 + -
0 390 520 520 290 ~9 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 450 < 600 < 520 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Empty mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Rolls-Royce Derwent 2 2 4,280 kg 159 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 9m fuel 20m fuel 31m fuel
443 kg Centrifugal-flow turbojet 4,651 kg 5,077 kg 5,503 kg 5,820 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (109%)
Condition 100% 109% 9m fuel 20m fuel 31m fuel MTOW
Stationary 900 kgf 990 kgf 0.43 0.39 0.36 0.34
Optimal 900 kgf
(0 km/h)
990 kgf
(0 km/h)
0.43 0.39 0.36 0.34
Meteor III Screenshot 3.jpg

Survivability and armour

  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
  • 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
  • 12.7 mm Steel plate in the nose.
  • Critical components located at the front and in the wings of the aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)

The Meteor F Mk 3 is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, nose-mounted (200 rpg top + 190 rpg bottom = 780 total)

Usage in battles

Meteor III Screenshot 2.jpg

The toughest enemies to fight in the Meteor F Mk 3 are perhaps the Ki-200, Me 163, and Ho 229. These aircraft are faster and have better acceleration.

To combat a Ho 229: the flying wing has a worse roll rate than the Meteor so scissors are the best way to counter them. A split-S or an Immelmann is not recommended as the Ho 229 has better energy retention.

The Me 163B and the Ki-200 are in theory easier to fight since the main priority is to simply survive long enough that they run out of fuel. The Mark 3 has a higher wing lift to mass ratio. Thus, it can barely out-turn the rocket planes (even with their rocket engines enabled), but this is very dangerous and only the better-skilled pilot will come out of a turn fight alive.

If the enemy is smart enough to dive and gather a little more speed for extra manoeuvrability, go up instead and roll over the enemy. If the enemy goes up, go up with it but be prepared for a hammerhead attack. If one does come, roll yourself over to provide the minimum surface area that he can attack and pitch down to the earth (to gather a little more speed for extra manoeuvrability). Continue doing this until the rocket plane gives up or runs out of fuel.

Do not chase the rocket plane directly if it decides to flee, but climb slightly faster than the best rate of climb (approximately 190 knots/350 kmh/220 mph) and if he flies directly overhead for the strike, simply perform a shallow dive and pull a horizontal turn to ruin their approach. Continue doing this until they run out of fuel.

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Offensive 20 mm
II Compressor Airframe
III Wings repair Engine New 20 mm cannons
IV G-suit Cover

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good turn rate
  • 4 x 20 mm cannons are accurate
  • Effective air targets ammo belt
  • Decent climb rate and energy retention
  • Decent manoeuvrability at low speeds
  • Good acceleration for an early jet

Cons:

  • Low top speed
  • Easily rips wings (500 mph+)
  • Below average roll rate
  • Poor rear cockpit visibility in Sim battles (hurts when performing scissors)

History

Cockpit of the Meteor Mk 3

The Gloster Meteor F Mk 3 was the first version of the Meteor to be produced in large numbers, the Mk 3 was significantly heavier than the previous versions of the Meteor, however, it also improved the performance dramatically, the first prototype for the Mk 3 specification (DG209) first flew on the 18th April 1944 and immediately demonstrated its performance improvement by reaching 465mph (748kph) at 16,000ft, this demonstrated a clear performance improvement over the Meteor Mk 1. The initial 15 aircraft of Mk 3 production were fitted with earlier Rolls Royce W.2B/23c Welland powerplant which was carried over from the Meteor Mk 1, these first 15 airframes of course had reduced performance due to these earlier powerplants being used, shortly after production started the Rolls-Royce Derwent I powerplant became available, this engine increased the power to 2000lb of thrust per engine, this was the most common powerplant for the Mk 3, although later in the production run examples were fitted with the later Derwent IV engine which increased thrust to 2,400lb per engine, giving yet another performance improvement. The final 15 production models were fitted with extended engine nacelles in common with those developed for the later Meteor Mk 4, these increased the performance of the aircraft yet again, this would mark the final major modification to the Mk 3 design before the Meteor Mk 4 would begin production.

The Meteor Mk 3 was used operationally by No.616 and 504 squadrons during WW2, although they were only used in action by 616 squadron, during the closing months of the war in Europe the Meteor Mk 3 was used by No.616 squadron for armed reconnaissance and ground attack, it was hoped that the Meteor would encounter the Messerschmitt 262 and be able to demonstrate its superior performance, although this confrontation never took place. In the immediate post-war years the Meteor Mk 3 served as the primary fighter for the RAF, until it was replaced by the improved Meteor Mk 4 in mid 1947.

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.

Meteor III Screenshot 4.jpg

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.

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.

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.

Notable pilots

  • Top scoring Southern Rhodesian ace pilot John Plagis and highest scoring pilot of Greek origin of WW II. Plagis flew the Meteor for several years after the end of WW II.
  • In 1948, Robin Olds transferred to England under the USAF/RAF exchange program where he flew the Gloster Meteor jet fighter and commanded the No. 1 Squadron at R.A.F. Tangmere.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

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

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • other literature.


Gloster Aircraft Company, Limited
Fighters  Gladiator Mk II · Sea Gladiator Mk I · 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 IIF
  Meteor NF.13 · Meteor F.8

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
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 F.3
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)
  JAS39C (Sweden)