The story
The Meteor was Britain's first jet fighter and the only Allied jet to see combat in the war, chasing V-1 flying bombs over Kent in the summer of 1944. It went on to set world speed records, serve air forces from Australia to Argentina and fight in Korea with the Australians. Nearly 4,000 were built. Two fly in the UK with Martin-Baker, including WL419, still used to test ejection seats by firing them out of the back seat at speed.
On 4 August 1944 a Meteor pilot whose guns had jammed flew alongside a V-1 flying bomb and tipped it over with his wingtip, one of the first two kills ever scored by an Allied jet.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Meteor?
Two fat engine nacelles mounted in the middle of a straight wing, well out from the fuselage, and a tailplane set high on the fin. No other jet carries its engines like this.
What does a Meteor sound like?
Two early centrifugal jets, a deep whistle rather than a roar, with a hollow boom on the flypast.
How fast is the Meteor?
Top speed is 521 kts.
How many people does the Meteor carry?
Typical configuration: Single-seat fighter or tandem T.7 trainer.
How far can the Meteor fly?
Range is about 600 nmi.
How big is the Meteor?
It is 44 ft 7 in long and 37 ft 2 in across the wings.
When did the Meteor first fly?
Its first flight was in 1943.
How many Meteors have been built?
3,947 built.
What do crews call the Meteor?
The Meatbox.
How rare is a Meteor in Bogey?
LEGENDARY. The top tier. Spotters plan trips around a catch like this. Your first Meteor catch is worth 1,000 points.
