What Is The Gloster Meteor?
The Gloster Meteor. The Allies’ first operational jet fighter, pioneering jet propulsion technology for the Royal Air Force in 1944.
United Kingdom
Origin
First British jet fighter
Role
965 km/h
Top speed
13,100 m
Service ceiling
Gloster Meteor Specifications
As the Allies’ first operational jet fighter, the Gloster Meteor entered service with the Royal Air Force in 1944. It’s powered by twin Rolls-Royce Derwent centrifugal turbojets, hitting 600 mph, and pioneered jet interception, breaking early world airspeed records at 606 mph in 1945.
Performance
Top speed
600 mph (965 km/h)
Service ceiling
43,000 ft (13,100 m)
Combat radius
210 nmi (390 km)
Rate of climb
7,000 ft/min (35.6 m/s)
Airframe
Crew
1
Length
44 ft 7 in (13.59 m)
Wingspan
37 ft 2 in (11.30 m)
Empty weight
10,684 lbs (4,846 kg)
Engine
2x Rolls-Royce Derwent 8 centrifugal-flow turbojets
Service
First flight
5 March 1943
Unit cost
$45,000 (Historical)
Operators
United Kingdom (RAF - Historic/Retired), Australia
What Weapons Does The Gloster Meteor Carry?
The Gloster Meteor is armed with four nose-mounted 20mm Hispano Mk V autocannons firing 1,500 rounds per minute, supplemented in ground-attack variants by underwing unguided rocket projectiles and 1,000 lb bombs.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
Hispano Mk V
Category
20 mm Cannon
Loadout
4 internal cannon (195 rounds each)
Range
1,000 metres (effective)
RP-3
Category
60 lb Unguided Rockets
Loadout
Up to 16 rockets
Range
1.5 km (0.9 miles)
1,000 lb Bomb
Category
General-Purpose Bomb
Loadout
Up to 2 bombs
Range
Gravity released
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
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Category
Loadout
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Loadout
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Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The Gloster Meteor?
The Meteor tops out at around 600 mph, or Mach 0.82 in later marks. In November 1945 a Meteor F.4 set a world air speed record of 606 mph, and in 1946 raised it to 616 mph. Early marks were considerably slower, and the aircraft's straight wing limited it well below the transonic performance of the swept-wing designs that followed.
How Was The Gloster Meteor Developed?
Gloster began work in 1940 around Frank Whittle's turbojet, using two engines because early jets produced insufficient thrust individually. The first prototype flew on 5 March 1943. Unlike the German Me 262, the Meteor used a conventional straight wing, which made it easier to fly but capped its performance.
Has The Gloster Meteor Seen Combat?
Meteors entered service in July 1944 and were used against V-1 flying bombs over southern England, destroying fourteen – several by tipping the missile's wing when cannon jammed. They were kept from operating over occupied Europe initially for fear an example would be captured. Australian Meteors fought over Korea, and Israeli and Egyptian examples clashed in 1955 and 1956.
Who Operates The Gloster Meteor?
The RAF and around fifteen other air forces operated the Meteor, with production reaching nearly 4,000 airframes. A handful remain airworthy, including examples used for ejection seat testing well into the 2000s.
Gloster Meteor FAQs
Common questions about the Gloster Meteor, its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I fly in the Gloster Meteor as a civilian?
No, the Gloster Meteor is not available for civilian passenger flights. Jetify offers flights in ex-military aircraft that have been demilitarised and placed on a civil register, such as the L-39 Albatros, Hawker Hunter and MiG-15 Fagot, across 7 aircraft types from 11 airfields in 7 countries.
Can I take the controls of the Gloster Meteor?
No, you cannot take the controls of the Gloster Meteor, because it is not available for civilian passenger flights. On the aircraft Jetify does operate, such as the L-39 Albatros, most allow you to take the controls in level flight and gentle turns once your pilot is satisfied you are comfortable.
How much does a flight in the Gloster Meteor cost?
The Gloster Meteor is not available for civilian passenger flights, so there is no price for a flight in one. Jetify flights in jets such as the L-39 Albatros start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900, while the MiG-15 Fagot, Aermacchi S.211 and Lockheed T-33 start from around £2,800 ($3,800, €3,400). The Hawker Hunter, the fastest aircraft currently bookable, starts from around £6,400, $8,500 or €7,600. Every price is per person and includes ground school, flight suit, helmet and pre-flight medical screening.
Are there weight limits on a jet flight instead of the Gloster Meteor?
The Gloster Meteor is not available for civilian passenger flights, but all jet flight experiences enforce strict height and weight limits set by ejection seat clearances, cockpit dimensions and harness fit. Height is typically 5ft 2in (157 cm) to 6ft 4in (193 cm), and weight is generally capped at 16 st 7 lb to 18 st 12 lb (105 kg to 120 kg) depending on the aircraft. You also need normal cardiovascular health, with no heart conditions, severe high blood pressure or recent surgery.
How much G-force would I feel on a jet flight instead of the Gloster Meteor?
The Gloster Meteor is not available for civilian passenger flights, but on a civilian jet experience aerobatic profiles typically reach four to eight positive G in sustained turns and around minus four negative G. You learn the anti-G straining manoeuvre in ground school, which keeps you conscious under load. Supersonic and high-altitude profiles are physically far easier, and what happens in the air is agreed with your pilot and can be adjusted at any point.
How far in advance should I book a jet flight instead of the Gloster Meteor?
The Gloster Meteor is not available for civilian passenger flights, but you should book a real ex-military jet experience, such as the L-39 Albatros, 2 to 4 months in advance because of limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
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