Armstrong Whitworth NF14
The NF14 is the most modern in appearance of the Meteor variants as it was fitted with a large blown canopy that significantly improved visibility for the crew. Based on the NF12 it also featured a new AN/APQ-43 radar which required an even longer nose and a further increase in fin area as well as yaw dampers to maintain directional stability. Despite its modern appearance it was not fitted with ejection seats. Only 100 were built the last being delivered to the RAF in May 1955 and operated by the central fighter establishment.
NF14, WS830 of 14 Sqn RAF showing the new canopy design to good effect as well as its extremely long nose.
After being replaced in frontline nightfighter squadrons a number of NF14's were converted into NF(T) 14 navigation trainers significantly extending their service life. One NF14 was refurbished and sold to France. As the last of the Meteor types to see service with the RAF many have survived in museums and collections in various states of repair although none are airworthy.
The one hundred aircraft were built in three batches by Armstrong Whitworth to contract 6/ACFT/6412/CB5(b) in the serial ranges WS722 - WS760, WS774 - WS812. The aerodynamic prototype was former NF11, WM261.
| Survivors | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| WS774 - Malta Air Museum | WS792 - Brighouse Bay | WS838 - Midland Air Museum |