66 years ago today, the first World Speed Record for a jet-powered aircraft was set.
The record-breaking aircraft EE454 in standard camouflage colours
This record was set by a highly decorated Royal Air Force pilot, Wing Commander Hugh J, Wilson.
He was the Commandant of the Empire Test Pilot School at Cranfield.
The aircraft used was a Gloster Meteor F Mk.IV, EE454, named Brittania.
It took months of preparation to get the aircraft ready, there were actually 2 aircraft modified for the record attempt. Two Meteor F Mk.III fighters, EE454 and EE455, were modified to the Mk.IV standard, this involved;
Installing Rolls Royce Derwent Series V turbojet instead of the standard Gloster Meteors Mk.III engines (Rolls Royce Derwent Series)
Nacelles lengthened
Wingspan was reduced, with reshaped wingtips
Trimtabs disabled and gaps sealed
Landing gear doors locks strengthened
The canopy was reduced in size
Armament and other unnecessary equipment removed
Gloster Meteor F Mk.IV, EE455, in its special golden-yellow paint
The aircraft surfaces were smoothed and EE455 received a special yellow/golden paint scheme. Prior to the record attempt, many test flights were performed to make sure the aircraft would be stable at high speed while flying at a low level. The stable flight was a must as the requirements laid down by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) for the record were very strict;
4 passes to be made over a 1.62 nm (3 kilometer) course, Two passes in each direction
Maximum height 246 feet (75 meters) during straight flight
Maximum height at the end of each run in the turn 1312 feet (400 meters) 526.83 knots or Mach 0.8 ( 975.68 kph - 606.26 mph)
A video of the preparations for the speed record attempt
On the day of the record attempt, the weather was far from ideal but the go-ahead was given for the record attempt. Both aircraft flew the course 4 times and flew within the restrictions as laid down by the FAI. Both missions were flown within an hour of each other.. The highest average speed of the two missions was achieved by Wilson in EE454. The record recognised by the FAI was 526.83 knots - Mach 0.80 (975.68 kph - 606.26 mph)
A small clip of the actual record attempt is made available by British Pathé on Youtube, you can watch it by clicking here. Specifications of the standard Gloseter Meteor Mk.IV
Span: 37.2ft
Length: 41ft
Engine: Two Rolls-Royce Derwent V engines, 3,500lb thrusteach
Gross Weight: 15,175lb
Maximum level speed at sea level: 590mph
Maximum level speed at 30,000ft: 570mph
Rate of climb at sea level: 7,350ft/min
Cruise Range at normal load: 510 miles
Cruise Range with external tanks: 713 miles
Ceiling: 44,500ft
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