Gloster Meteors in aviation research

It was twin-engined, rugged, had two seats in its later versions and was available in considerable numbers, because of this the Meteor was the principal platform for aviation research in the UK between 1945 and 1955. This is also well demonstrated within the production figures for the Meteor F Mk III with 30 of the 240 built allocated for aviation research. Far too much has gone unrecorded, for a number of reasons not the least of which is demonstrated by the following quote.

"The Government's radar establishment had no interest whatsoever in aircraft other than as airborne platform facilities. They are no more than a set of tools in a toolbox".

During trials if something was tried and found not to work the whole event was cast into oblivion. Surprising as it may seem, notes made at the time, often handwritten by the scientists or engineers involved were couched in their own personal jargon which sometimes did not even record the type of aircraft involved, let alone the serial number!

Prone Meteor
Probably one of the strangest Meteors was the Prone Meteor. WK935 was converted from a meteor F8 with a special nose section with an additional cockpit where the pilot flew the aircraft from a prone position. The aircraft flew more than 90 flights and is now preserved at the Newark Air Museum in Nottingham.

Four Engines


Featuring wingtip RR Soar turbojets, WA982 was the first four engined jet aircraft.

Vectored Thrust
In 1954 a Meteor F4 received a highly unusual engine fit. Instead of the usual Derwents twin Rolls Royce Nene turbojets with thrust deflectors were fitted. This required extensive rebuilding of the aircraft. When complete it had nacelles extended forward of the wings which were clipped (as in later production F4's). The aircraft also had the revised and lengthened F8 rear fuselage, while results were promising it was nevertheless regarded as too complicated. Vectored thrust would eventually be developed in the Hawker Siddley P1127 and eventually lead the Harrier which continues in service today.