Posted on Sep 16, 2020
Gloster Meteor - The Only Allied Jet to Fight in WW2
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Turbojet technology was still in its infancy when the Gloster Aircraft Company developed the Meteor.
This was the first British jet-powered aircraft and the only one that the Allies ever sent into combat during World War II. The Meteor had been built to engage in air battles with the Luftwaffe's Me 262, the first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft that stunned the Allies when it appeared. But the much-expected confrontation between both jets never happened. Eventually, both were replaced with more modern and efficient planes.
However, the Meteor was an excellent combat fighter that broke several aviation records. The aircraft remained a fundamental part of the Royal Air Force for several years and served successfully in 15 other countries, where it had essential participation in several regional conflicts...
This was the first British jet-powered aircraft and the only one that the Allies ever sent into combat during World War II. The Meteor had been built to engage in air battles with the Luftwaffe's Me 262, the first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft that stunned the Allies when it appeared. But the much-expected confrontation between both jets never happened. Eventually, both were replaced with more modern and efficient planes.
However, the Meteor was an excellent combat fighter that broke several aviation records. The aircraft remained a fundamental part of the Royal Air Force for several years and served successfully in 15 other countries, where it had essential participation in several regional conflicts...
Flying
WWII World War Two
United Kingdom
Posted >1 y ago
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“Surrounding every dead Tiger were 20 dead T-34’s...problem is...the Russians could afford to lose the 20...”
Likewise, a fleeing pilot looked over his shoulder and noticed the ME-262 was not pursuing. Didn’t take long to figure out that the jet’s fighting time was limited. All a sneaky Mustang or Spitfire driver had to do was wait the jet out and kill it as it landed. Germany’s two top guns found this out the hard way and soon, they refused to fly them. It was then relegated to bomber killing but still...ya gotta land at some point in time and the Allied pilots could set their watches by you.
Had the 262 entered service earlier, a “jet race” may have occurred with designs hitting the drawing board at break neck speed.
Likewise, a fleeing pilot looked over his shoulder and noticed the ME-262 was not pursuing. Didn’t take long to figure out that the jet’s fighting time was limited. All a sneaky Mustang or Spitfire driver had to do was wait the jet out and kill it as it landed. Germany’s two top guns found this out the hard way and soon, they refused to fly them. It was then relegated to bomber killing but still...ya gotta land at some point in time and the Allied pilots could set their watches by you.
Had the 262 entered service earlier, a “jet race” may have occurred with designs hitting the drawing board at break neck speed.
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