1/72 Gloster Meteor F Mk.III ‘WWII Jet Fighter’

The Gloster Meteor was the first British and only Allied jet fighter to see operational service during World War II. Its development began in 1940 and was closely linked to the development of Frank Whittle's jet engines. The first prototype, designated the Gloster E.28/39 Pioneer, flew on 15 May 1941 and was powered by Whittle's W.1 jet engine.Series production of the Meteor began in 1943 and the first machines were delivered to the RAF in July 1944.

The F Mk.III variant was the third production version of the Meteor and represented a significant improvement over previous types. This version was powered by two Rolls-Royce Derwent 1 jet engines. Compared to the previous F Mk.I version, which had Welland I engines, the Derwents 1 provided significantly more thrust (8.9 kN compared to 7.1 kN). This allowed an increase in top speed to 793 km/h (compared to 660 km/h for the Mk.I) and improved climbability. The wing was strengthened and the fuselage lengthened by 76 cm to improve stability and flight characteristics. Armament consisted of four 20mm Hispano Mk.V guns mounted in the nose.

The Gloster Meteor F Mk.III entered service in December 1944 and was deployed primarily to defend against German V-1 (flying bomb) missiles. Within six weeks, the Meteor F Mk.I and Mk.III destroyed a total of 13 V-1 missiles. Although the F Mk.III Meteors entered combat in the final phase of the war, they never met the German Me 262 jet fighters in direct combat. Some aircraft were deployed in Europe for reconnaissance and attacks on ground targets.

Special Hobby's 1/72nd scale Gloster Meteor F Mk.III "WWII Jet Fighter" kit features injection molded plastic parts. The kit includes details of the cockpit, undercarriage shafts and renderings of the engine nacelles. With precision craftsmanship and included decals for three different markings, modelers can build an authentic replica of this pioneering jet fighter.

Please note: This kit does not include paint or glue.

• Period.

• Nationality: 🇬🇧 British

• Type: Aircraft (Jet Fighter)