07-04-2001 16:48									#1
	WWII jet question Inflate your Upload Space

Recently I read about a British jet, the Gloster Meteor. Is it right that it was the only operational Allied fighter jet by the end of WWII? Has it been used in combat? Or came it too late, like the US F80 Shooting Star, for WWII

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	07-04-2001 19:21									#2
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I think it was the first operational fighter of the war, but never saw combat.

	07-04-2001 19:47									#3
	Increase Your PM Length

Actually, the Meteor was used in combat, but not widely. The first role of the meteor was against V1 bombs and I also believe they operated over Holland late in the war. I'm sure I have a book with some info on this plane. I'll find it and post a reply. Also, the meteor was the only allied jet to see action in WWII

	07-04-2001 19:57									#4
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The Gloster Meteor was used to destroy flying bombs by No.616 Squadron which I think was the only squadron to fly this plane during the war. The Squadron was deployed to Holland in 1945 and was based near Nijmegen. The Meteors were used in the air defence role. The Gloster Meteor became the RAF's primary jet fighter after that and served until the 1960's. I hope this answers your question. I got the information from "Collins Jane's Aircraft of World war II". It also has technical specifications as well but I don't know if you would be interested in that.

	07-04-2001 20:20									#5
	Put an end to popups!

Some other interesting tidbits about the Meteor: It's initial performance was not comparible to the German Me 262, being quite a bit slower. It never met the German jet in combat. Newer engines increased its' performance; the Mk 4 set a air speed record of 606 MP in 1945. It saw action in the Korean War as well. By that time it was outclassed by MiG-15s' and F-86s' in the air, and was assigned to ground support.

	07-04-2001 20:51									#6
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Bernd, try these links : Meteor and this one for another Meteor link. The first allied Jet was the Bell XP-59 Airacomet. And here is a F-80 Shooting Star link.

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[This message has been edited by cpoulos (edited April 07, 2001).]

	08-04-2001 09:00									#7
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Thanks to all for the info And good links, cpoulos!

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	09-04-2001 09:46									#9
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The P-80 actually saw some combat in WW2. 4 prototype P-80's were sent to Europe for trials with the 8th airforce in January 1945. Later two of these aircraft were sent to Italy were they participated in a few combat missions.