Gloster GA.1/ GA.2 'ACE' (E1/44)
The Gloster GA.1 was developed in response to air ministry specification E 5/42, the increased power of the turbojet making it possible to contemplate a single engined jet fighter. The construction of two airframes SM801 & SM805 was started, powered by the De Havilland H1 Goblin. These were incomplete and rendered obsolete by a new design based around the Rolls Royce Nene II with 5,000 lbs of thrust which resulted in a new specification E.1/44 written around the design.
The new design designated the GA.2 'ACE' had a pressurised cockpit and was capable of 485mph at 30,000 ft, construction of the first prototype SM809 started in late 1944 but was not completed until July 1947. The aircraft was wrecked beyond repair while being transported to Boscombe Down for its initial test flights.
The first GA.2, SM809, unofficially called 'ACE' was powered by a single Rolls Royce Nene II of 5,000 lbs thrust.
After SM809's road traffic accident work was sped up on the second prototype TX145 which took to the air in the hands of Bill Waterton on the 9th March 1948, a third prototype TX148 flew in 1949. This aircraft had a new type of tail which would later be used on the Meteor F8, TX148 would continue to fly until 1951, construction of a fourth prototype TX150 was abandoned as by this stage it was considered that the Meteor held greater developmental potential. The GA.2 was intended to be fitted with 4 x 20mm cannons in the nose although these were never installed in the prototypes. The effort involved in building TX145 & TX148 was not entirely wasted as they acted as test beds for the development of braking parachutes and flying control systems at RAE Farnborough until 1951.
The third GA.2, TX148 showing the new style tail that was to be re-used on the Meteor F8.
| Specifications (TX145) | |
|
Engine Wing Span Length Empty Weight Loaded Weight Max Speed Armament |
1 x Rolls Royce Nene II of 5,000 lbs (2,688 kg) thrust 36' (10.97 m) 38' (11.58 m) 8,260 lb (3,747 kg) 11,470 lb 620 mph (998 km/h) 4 x 20mm cannon (Never fitted) |
Modelling the E.1/44 ACE
There is only one known kit of the E.1/44 Ace. This was a vacform produced by Maintrack under the label Project-X, kit number 28 in the series. Its now out of production but I know of at least contributor to the site who would love to get their hands on a kit. If you have one your prepared to part with then please get in touch.