Ex- RAF Gloster JavelinThe Gloster Type GA.5 Javelin was designed by Glosters to specification F.4/48 for an all-weather fighter capable of a maximum speed of 600mph at 40,000ft. The solution was a large, twin-engined, delta, the first of its kind in the world. The Javelin was also the first fighter to introduce guided weapon armament into the RAF. The first prototype (WD804) flew from Moreton Valence on 26 November 1951; it was followed by four further prototypes. The type was evaluated by an American delegation and the Javelin was ordered in quantity applying much of the £37m funding from the US under the Mutual Defence Aid Plan. The aircraft replaced the Meteor NF Mks 11/12 and Venom NF Mk 3 in service. Its top speed was some 45 mph better than that of the Meteor and its ceiling 12,500ft higher at 52,500ft.
Picture added on 08 June 2006
