Meteor F.8 and T.7
Airframe Details Close Up

by Brett Green

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During the late 1980s and early 1990s I photographed a number of Meteors at different Museums around Australia.

The Meteor F.8 at the Fighter World Museum attached to RAAF Williamtown is beautifully restored in the Korean War colours of A77-385 "Chloe", operating with 77 Sqn RAAF (currently based at Williamtown).

A few minor details are missing (including the characteristic clear blister on the spine, covered with a small metal plate), but the aircraft is beautifully presented inside and out.

The Meteor F.8 at Narellan is much wearier, being in unrestored but fairly original condition. It is interesting to contrast the details of colours on the seats of these two similar aircraft. Harnesses and cushions are quite distinctly different.

The Meteor T.7 at Moorabbin was displayed outdoors, and was stripped of its usual silver lacquer finish to reveal natural metal.

Compare the small intake on this Meteor F.7 (albeit apparently missing the forward ring of the intake) with the large intake on the Williamtown F. Mk.8. Meteors were fitted with small and large intakes during its career.

Set One - Meteor F.8
Fighter World Museum, RAAF Williamtown, NSW Australia

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The opening for the gun camera is at the tip of the nose. The prominent blast tubes can be seen protruding from the fuselage sides	Tail and empennage	Cannon last tubes are integral to the metal of the fuselage	Beautifully presented instrument panel	Note the colours of the cushions and harness
View from the top	The control column	Mid-upper spine. The blister has been replaced with a tidy cover plate	View through the large intake. Note the leading edge of the wing continues through the engine nacelle, and the engine face details clearly visible	Jet pipe
Speed brake open, viewed from the front	Spped brake open, viewed from the rear. Note the actuator detail.	Lower rear fuselage, looking forward. Note the panel line just off-centre running to the back of the fuselage

Set Two - Meteor F.8
Camden Museum of Aviation, Narellan NSW, Australia

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Headrest detail through closed perspex	The colours and arrangement of the harness and cushions are quite different from the Williamtown Meteor F.8

Set Three - Meteor T.7
Moorabbin Air Museum, Moorabbin Airport, Meltone Victoria, Australia

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Images and Description Copyright © 2002 by Brett Green
Page Created 19 August, 2003
Last Updated 19 April, 2004
 

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