Gloster Meteor

[SMIDSY]

Originally posted by Karnak
SMIDSY,

I've never heard that it was converted from a prop job.  Can you post some info on that please.

cant remember exactly where i got that info. will get back to you on that.

[frank3]

Smidsy, you might mean the testversions.

With the Arado Ar-234, they tested the design with prop engines too, before adding the jet engines (because they were not ready atm I believe)

It could very well be that the Meteor was tested with propellors

[Krusty]

The Gloster was not converted from a prop. It was designed as a jet, and the airframe was tested with either 2 props or 2 turboprops (can't remember, I got a pic of it somewhere). That was just part of the flight testing and development, however.

[Furball]

it was tested in late 45 with turboprops iirc, think it was the worlds first turboprop a/c.

[frank3]

I thought some version of the Spitfire had a turboprop too? (or was it just contra-rotating props?)

[Debonair]

EE227 "Trent"

[Karnak]

Krusty,

Keep in mind the Meteor Mk III would also have poor acceleration.  Early jets just did not produce that much thrust.

As to your 30mm quip, I don't think there is anything wrong with the 30mm cannons.  I recall reading, long ago so don't ask for a refernce, a German pilot saying the Me262 would have been better if they'd armed it with four 20mm cannon as the 30mms were too hard to hit with at the speeds it flew.

[frank3]

Also, 30mm would produce quite a shock when fired, thus degrading accuracy, and since the 30mm cannons don't have much ammo, you want every shot to count!