World's oldest serviceable fighter jet to fly again
FREE Catholic Classes
The world's oldest British fighter jet is taking to the skies once again over England, a treat for air enthusiasts around the world. A Gloster Meteor, Britain's oldest fighter jet, and likely the oldest fighter jet still flying, will grace the skies later this month.
Highlights
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
3/5/2013 (1 decade ago)
Published in Europe
Keywords: Gloster Meteor, jet, oldest, Newquay
LONDON, ENGLAND (Catholic Online) - While the first jet powered aircraft and fighter jets were German machines, none remain in flyable condition today. The distinction of the world's oldest, servicable aircraft goes to the Gloster Meteor.
Introduced in the summer of 1944, just months after the combat debut of the German Me 262, the Meteor was employed in an interceptor role, shooting down V-1 missiles fired from the Low Countries into Southern England.
Although there jets were employed by all major combatants by the end of the war except Japan, none saw combat against other jets. The first jet vs. jet combat would have to wait until the Korean War several years later occurring on Nov. 1, 1950, between Soviet and American pilots.
By the end of the war, the Meteors saw increasing use in British service and would eventually be exported around the world. Meteors would serve in the active air forces of the world until as late as the 1980s.
A few examples remain airworthy, and a working original in Cornwall will fly to mark the opening of a new air museum at the Newquay Airport, which is itself a former Royal Air Force base.
The craft was excellent and well-liked by its pilots who found the cockpit to be quieter than their piston engine counterparts. Originally developed as a single-seat fighter, the craft was soon produced in new variants including a two-seat version and follow-up models with more powerful engines.
The jet is an icon of the Royal Air Force, almost as much beloved and recognized as the Hurricane and Spitfire forebears which it replaced.
The jet will fly again on March 29 at the Newquay Airport.
---
'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'
Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.
-
Mysteries of the Rosary
-
St. Faustina Kowalska
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
-
Saint of the Day for Wednesday, Oct 4th, 2023
-
Popular Saints
-
St. Francis of Assisi
-
Bible
-
Female / Women Saints
-
7 Morning Prayers you need to get your day started with God
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Sacrifices of Faith: The Pro-Life Legacies of St. Gianna and Jessica Hanna
-
How to love God by caring for our bodies
-
Pope Francis calls for negotiations to End Russia-Ukraine War
-
Pope Francis Contemplates Return to U.S. for United Nations Assembly Address
-
Pope Francis Calls on Faithful to Embrace Faith, Hope, and Charity in New Teaching Series
Daily Catholic
- Daily Readings for Monday, April 29, 2024
- St. Catherine of Siena: Saint of the Day for Monday, April 29, 2024
- Prayer for the Dead # 3: Prayer of the Day for Monday, April 29, 2024
- Daily Readings for Sunday, April 28, 2024
- St. Peter Chanel: Saint of the Day for Sunday, April 28, 2024
- Prayer before a Crucifix: Prayer of the Day for Sunday, April 28, 2024
Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.