The Gloster Meteor became Britain's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. It reached operational status in the latter years of World War 2 and saw limited action in the conflict though it never faced off against any of the touted German jet projects in service at the same time. The Meteor proved an invaluable addition to the RAF and served with proud distinction throughout the opening years of the Cold War.

Design of the Gloster Meteor fell to George Carter. Work began as early as 1940 with turbojet technology still in its relative infancy. In fact, Britain and Germany were at the forefront of the developing technology though other nations were also delving into the probability of jet-powered fighters by the end of the decade. Gloster Aircraft Company had already found some success with their Gloster E28/39 jet-powered endeavor and an upcoming Air Ministry contract secured Meteor development through Specification F9/40 (calling for a single-seat, jet-powered interceptor).

Country of Origin:United Kingdom
Manufacturer:Gloster Aircraft Company / Armstrong Whitworth - UK
Initial Year of Service:1944
Production:3,947

Focus Model:Gloster / Armstrong Whitworth Meteor F.Mk 1
Crew:1

Length:41.24ft (12.57m)
Width:43.01ft (13.11m)
Height:12.99ft (3.96m)
Weight (Empty):8,139lbs (3,692kg)
Weight (MTOW):13,819lbs (6,268kg)

Powerplant:2 x Rolls-Royce W2B/23 Welland turbojet engines generating 1,700lbs of thrust each.

Maximum Speed:410mph (660kmh; 356kts)
Maximum Range:1,000miles (1,610km)
Service Ceiling:39,993ft (12,190m; 7.6miles)
Rate-of-Climb:2,155 feet per minute (657m/min)

Hardpoints:0
Armament Suite:
STANDARD:
4 x 20mm Hispano Cannons

OPTIONAL:
16 x 3" rockets under wings