GLOSTER METEOR F8  A77-851

Twin engine single seat military fighter

History of A77-851
The aircraft first served with the RAF in Britain and was handed over to the RAAF in July 1952. It was exported to Australia, but in early 1953 it was sent to Korea. It operated with 77 SQN.  On 27 March it destroyed a MiG-15 in combat while being flown by Sgt George Hale. Another ‘probable’ kill was recorded to the aircraft. Its Korean service included taking part in 77 SQN’s last strike.

The aircraft returned to Australia in December 1954 and was allocated to 23 SQN. It was damaged in March 1957 when the ejection seat drogue gun inadvertently fired. The aircraft was repaired and allocated to WRE at RAAF Edinburgh in October 1960. Fairey Aviation converted it to a U.21A model by fitting a new nose section. The modified aircraft was put into service in March 1963. Soon after, it crashed on landing at Woomera during an unmanned trial flight. The old nose section (which is on display) was preserved and came to the Museum in 1990.

 A77-851 at Kimpo, South Korea, in 1953/54.

Technical Specifications
Engines: 2 x 16 kN (3,600 lb) thrust Rolls-Royce Derwent centrifugal flow turbojets
Max take-off weight: 8,664 kg
Length: 12.6 m
Wingspan: 13.1 m
Height: 3.96 m
Cruising Speed: 339 kt (629 kph)
Range: 1,100 km (594 nm)
Crew: 1 pilot
Armament: 4 x 20mm Hispano Cannon