AA35011 Gloster Meteor F.8, No.74 Squadron, RAF Horsham St.Faith, Norfolk, 1954

AA35011 Gloster Meteor F.8, No.74 Squadron, RAF Horsham St.Faith, Norfolk, 1954

 

  • The Gloster Meteor was the RAF’s first jet fighter aircraft, whose development began in November 1940 following the appearance of the turbojet designed by Frank Whittle.  The Gloster Meteor made its first test flight on 5th March 1943.  

    The Mk. I had a maximum speed of 417 mph at 3000m and had a range of 1610 km, powered by two Rolls-Royce W.2B/23C turbojet engines providing 771 kg of thrust each.  Later versions, beginning with the F.8 in 1948 were the first British production aircraft to be equipped with ejector seats.

    74 Squadron was re-equipped as the RAF’s third Meteor F.3 squadron in June 1945 and formed the first all jet fighter wing along with 616 and 504 Squadrons.  The Mk.III Meteors were retained until March 1948, re-equipment with F.4’s commencing in December 1947.  The F.4 was operated by the Squadron until October 1950, when it was replaced by the F.8.

    No.74 Squadron operated the Mk.8 from Horsham St. Faith, Norwich, Norfolk for seven years until the type was replaced by the Hunter in 1957.
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