CJFM's F8 Meteor was built by Gloster and was ready for RAF collection in April 1952. The aircraft was placed in storage, but was diverted from RAF requirements to the RAAF for transportation to the Korean Conflict. WK685 departed the UK in July 1952 on board HMS Ocean and arrived in Japan for preparation for service in Korea in August 1952. The Meteor was based at Kimpo Airfield in Korea as part of 77 Sqn, 91 Wing, RAAF and renumbered with the RAAF serial number A77-867.

Upon cessation of hostilities A77-867 was returned to Australia and joined the newly reformed 77 Sqn. in Dec. 1955. A77-867 went on to serve in 22 Sqn. and 78 Sqn. before later conversion to instructional airframe status.

A77-867 was later retrieved from the RAAF Pt Cook Fire Training School by the Moorabbin Air Museum and spent many years on show in the Museum's display compound.

In 1992, A77-867 was acquired by CJFM and underwent an extensive restoration program, after which it remained stored, pending opening of the Museum in August 1996.

It is not widely known that the Gloster Meteor was the first jet aircraft to enter service in World War II. It saw combat before the better known jet fighters of the German Luftwaffe.

Role
Single seat fighter / ground attack aircraft

Engine
Two Rolls Royce Derwent MK8 turbojets each with 3,600 lb thrust

Dimensions
wing span - 37ft 2in (11.33m)
length - 44ft 7in (13.59m)
height - 13ft 0in (3.96m)
weight - empty 10,700lb (4,853kg)
normal load - 17,350lb (7,870kg)
maximum load - 19,100lb (8,664kg)

Armament
4 x 20mm cannon; 2 x 1000lb (454kg)
bombs or 8 x 60lb (27kg) rockets under wings

Performance
maximum speed - Mach 0.78, 519kt (598mph, 962kph)
cruising speed - 360kt (666kph)
initial climb rate - 7,000ft (2,134m) / min
service ceiling - 44,000ft (13,411m)
range (internal tanks) - 666nm (1,234km)

RAAF service
1946-7 and 1951-63

Number
104 of various models

Serial Numbers
A77-867; unlike most other aircraft in the RAAF, the F8's serving in Korea were not numbered sequentially. Their numbers jumped around and were scrambled - for "security"!

ENGINE - ROLLS ROYCE DERWENT 8 TURBOJET
This is a single stage centrifugal flow turbojet. It was rated at 3,600 lb thrust for takeoff at sea level. Two Derwents were fitted to all Gloster Meteor jet aircraft exclusively and gave the Australian Mk 8 Meteor a maximum speed of almost 600 mph (960 kph) or Mach 0.78 at sea level.

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