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The Gloster Meteor was the first British jet fighter and the Allies' only operational jet aircraft during the Second World War. The Meteor's development was heavily reliant on its ground-breaking turbojet engines, pioneered by Sir Frank Whittle and his company, Power Jets Ltd. Development of the aircraft began in 1940, although work on the engines had been under way since 1936. The Meteor first flew in 1943 and commenced operations on 27 July 1944 with No. 616 Squadron RAF. Nicknamed the "Meatbox", the Meteor was not a sophisticated aircraft in its aerodynamics, but proved to be a successful combat fighter. Gloster's 1946 civil Meteor F.4 demonstrator G-AIDC was the first civilian-registered jet aircraft in the world.
WL332 was delivered into service 18.4.52 and decommissioned 12.2.69. Now languishing in the Long Marston graveyard....its fate very uncertain.
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Another very sad example of Britain's aviation heritage in the Long Marston graveyard.
History:
Delivered to 23MU 23.4.58. Issued to 206 Sqn 6.58 and coded E. Despatched to the A&AEE Boscombe Down 3.4.59 for trials of the Maritime Tactical Position Indicator (OR/3042). The acceptance trial was completed 22.5.59 and the aircraft returned to St Mawgan 29.5.59. To 49MU 10.59 for Phase I modification by Avro CWP, completed 12.59, when issued to 203 Sqn and coded J. Cat.3 damage was repaired on site 8.61, when WR985 was sent to 49MU for Phase II update by Avro CWP. To 206 Sqn 2.62 and coded A until despatched to Avro Langar 6.63 for Phase III modernization. Completed 2.65, when WR985 returned to 206 Sqn and was coded T. Cat.3 damage sustained in flying accident 13.9.65 was repaired by 60MU 10.65 - 11.65, the aircraft returning to 206 Sqn until transferred to 120 Sqn 5.66 as H. To HSA Woodford 6.66 - 10.66 for Viper installation, when WR985 returned to Kinloss for 201 Sqn (still as H). Transferred to Kinloss Wing 2.67 as H, remaining until 9.70, except for a visit to HSA Bitteswell 10.68 - 12.68 for mods. Delivered to Cosford 25.9.70 for use as instructional airframe with No.2 SoTT. Allocated maintenance serial 8103M on arrival. Offered for sale in 'fair condition' by MoD 1988 and sold to a private purchaser.
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A very sad end for this once beautiful aircraft. Built 1952. Ex Royal Navy WM735
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