The rarest of the rare. by blinkings
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Description
This is the last flying Meteor F.8 in the world. She is the one and only. The Gloster Meteor is an all metal, twin jet engine, retractable gear aircraft. The F.8 was the most built of all Meteors with 1,522 being produced. The Gloster Meteor was the first operational jet to fly with the Royal Air Force. The earliest recorded combat successes were by Meteor F.1s, against V1 flying bombs on 4 August 1944. A Meteor was also used in the first tests of a ground level ejection seat.
In May 1946 a F.3 Meteor was taken on charge by the Royal Australian Air Force, becoming the first RAAF jet fighter. It was not until 1951 that Meteors entered regular service with the RAAF and then they did so with a true "baptism of fire". Meteor F.8 aircraft were taken into action by 77 Squadron RAAF, in Korea, against the Mig-15.
This Meteor was made by Gloster and carried RAF serial number VZ467, serving until 1982. Its last military role was as a target tug. After being retired from the RAF the Meteor was privately owned and operated in the UK. Upon being purchased by the Temora Aviation Museum the aircraft was disassembled, transported to Australia and reassembled at Bankstown NSW. In August 2001 the Meteor flew from Bankstown to its new home.
Please zoom for a better look at this rare old gal.
Comments (18)
jayfar
Have seen these along with the Vampire many times in my youth - every time I heard one I would rush outside and watch it fly over. I used to work with a guy in the 70,s who flew the Meteor. Super shot Andrew.
netot
Beautiful bird!I've never really seen one before, but when I play Blazing Angels is one of my favorites! This image has an incredible detail, I never imagined that the Meteor was so elegant.
ronmolina
Excellent shot and information.
62guy
Lack of spare parts, especially for the engines. Gets them every time.
miketee10021
Great shot! Thank you!
prutzworks
love the design of this jet cool plane spotting and thanks for sharing
kgb224
Superb capture my friend. God bless.
Maxidyne
Meteor's, Vampire's, Hunter's, love all these from that time period. This one had a long service history and it's good to see it preserved. Exellent shot mate :)
Faemike55
She's held her age quite well Lovely aircraft
g_purvis
A beautifully clear image of a beautiful old girl.
Cyve
Excelent shot !
pimanjc
Beautiful old bird.
neiwil
Would have been interesting if one of these had run into an Me262..... I recall 77 Sqn did sterling work in Korea, the Meteor was never a match for the MiG 15 but did very well in the ground attack role. Though most losses were to AA during ground attack missions. Great to see this rare bird still has wings. Sold to you when we still had a few about.....now!.....lucky you :-)
whaleman
Beautiful shot, and ZOOM IS A MUST!
Crabbycabby
Fantastic Image.
moochagoo
Thank you for that picture.
debbielove
You LUCKY LUCKY LUCKY BA....... lol I am SO jealous! I have seen Meteor's but never a F-8! Several are flapping around here at the moment, NF variants and indeed the oldest flying one, the oldest flying jet in the world.. BUT this! Its a Gem! LOOK AFTER IT... You LUCKY LUC... LOL Rob
danapommet
A cool photo and informative information!