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Home »  Collection »  Flying & Static Aircraft »  Gloster Meteor T7

HISTORY

  • The Gloster Meteor was Britain's first jet fighter. The Meteor began development in 1940, though its engines began in 1936, and first flew in 1943, It was in 1944 that the Meteor was put to service in limited action during WWII, used to shoot down German V1 missiles, downing V1s by tipping them over by their wingtips, and as a ground attack fighter.
  • The Meteor set records for airspeed and first innovations like ejection seats and turboprop engines.
  • The Museum's Meteor T7 (WA591; a two-seat trainer) was produced in 1949 at Hucclecote, Gloucestershire, UK.  WA591 served with the Royal Air Force for 16 years at various RAF training bases. Restoration to airworthiness began In 1993 and was completed with takeoff on June 14th, 2011.

 

DISTINCTION

  • This Meteor T7 WA591 is currently the oldest flying jet aircraft in the world.
  • Served sixteen years with the Royal Air Force.
  • This is the only flying Meteor in the United States and one of only five in the world that are airworthy.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Status: Flyable
Manufacturer: Gloster Aircraft Company
Year: 1949
Model: Meteor T7
Registration Number: WA591
Serial Number: 45-356460 
Crew: 2
Max T/O Weight: 15,700 lb.
Span: 37 ft. 2 in.
Length: 44 ft. 7 in.
Height: 13 ft. 0 in.
Maximum Speed: 623 mph
Cruise Speed:
Rate of Climb: 7000 ft/min
Power Plant: 2 × Rolls-Royce Derwent 9 turbojets, 3,600 lbf thrust each
Range: 600 miles
Service Ceiling: 43,300 ft.
Armament: Underwing Hardpoints

 

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