NF 14 Meteor jet fighter plane of the RAF in flight

Mar. 31 British official Photograph (Air Ministry) Issued by Central Office of Information, London. Crown Copyright Reserved. The fastest version of the famous Meteor jet fighter to be produced, the Mark NF 14 night fighter, is now in RAF Squadron service. This latest Meteor, which is replacing the earlier NF 11 model, was described recently by the Secretary of State for Air (Lord De L'Isle and Dudley, VC) as the most effective night fighter that exists. External differences between the NF 14 and the earlier models are the clear-vision cockpit canopy for the pilot and radar observer, and the altered shape of the tail fin. There are various other aerodynamic refinements which improve the aircraft's performance. These photographs, the first to be released of this latest Meteor in squadron service, are of No. 85 Squadron, one of the most famous fighter units in the Royal Air Force. The Squadron was formed in 1917, went to France early in 1918, and under the command of the famous ace, Major W.A. (Billy) Bishop, VC achieved a magnificent record as one of the most successful fighter squadrons on the Western Front. It was later commanded by Major Edward (Micky) Nannock, VC. During the second world war it played an important part in the Battle of Britain as a day fighter squadron, and later specialised in night fighting. For more than a year it was commanded by Group Captain John Cunningham, DSO, DFC. The current technique of night fighter operations is basically similar to that used in the second world war. The fighters are guided to the enemy bombers by a GCI (Ground Control Interception) radar equuipment operated by the aircraft navigator. On occasion the aircraft may also operate as all-weather fighters by day

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Achieved Aerodynamic All-weather Altered Basically Bombers Canopy Cockpit Commanded Cunningham Current Described Differences Earlier Effective Exists Fastest Formed Guided Improve Issued Magnificent Meteor Navigator Observer Operate Operated Radar Refinements Replacing Similar Specialised Squadrons

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