Name that Flying Machine
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: UK
French - I was influenced by the aircraft behind the Meteor in the link https://i.pinimg.com/736x/fc/28/a9/f...d4cec4d6bb.jpg
but on reflection that could be the SB5.
Thus a Meteor RR Nene engine jet dflection test bed.
And a guess at F'boro airshow static display
but on reflection that could be the SB5.
Thus a Meteor RR Nene engine jet dflection test bed.
And a guess at F'boro airshow static display
Last edited by safetypee; 8th January 2023 at 13:03.
Joined: May 1999
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From: Quite near 'An aerodrome somewhere in England'
Normally one should wait 24 hrs before confirming the answer, but I will be away from my computer by then...
The aircraft in question is indeed RA490, a Meteor F Mk 4 test bed converted by Westlands, fitted with 2 x RR Nenes and deflection ducts. The aim of the conversion was to allow the aircraft to be used as a deflected jet experimental aeroplane; as the Nenes had to be positioned sufficiently far forward to allow the deflected thrust point to be reasonably close to the Centre of Mass, large nacelles were needed. The aircraft was also fitted with an F Mk 8 tail unit and additional vertical surfaces on the tailplane. It could be flown at speeds as low as 65 KIAS - presumably at a safe height as without a bang seat life would have been interesting with an engine failure!
The aircraft next to RA490 in safetypee's photo is indeed WG768, the Short SB5 in one of its many configurations. As it's in the low tail post-1954 configuration, I suspect that the photo could well have been taken at the 1955 Royal Aircraft Establishment's 50th anniversary at Farnborough.
Westlands used to have a site at RAF Merryfield (it's now an official gypsy site); nearby were a couple of tunnels under the concrete hardstanding with large 90° ducts at one end, venting to atmosphere at the other. As a small boy, once the RN's Sea Venoms had returned to Yeovilton and the aerodrome virtually abandoned, I explored the tunnels wondering what they'd been used for. Doubtless the def-jet Meteor was positioned over them to test the installation. Pictures exist of RA490 at what is clearly Merryfield (there's a particular type of tree in the background which I well remember!), but I think that the aircraft was flown to RAF Farnborough for trials work, also at RAE Bedford.
safetypee, you had the best answer, so over to you!
The aircraft in question is indeed RA490, a Meteor F Mk 4 test bed converted by Westlands, fitted with 2 x RR Nenes and deflection ducts. The aim of the conversion was to allow the aircraft to be used as a deflected jet experimental aeroplane; as the Nenes had to be positioned sufficiently far forward to allow the deflected thrust point to be reasonably close to the Centre of Mass, large nacelles were needed. The aircraft was also fitted with an F Mk 8 tail unit and additional vertical surfaces on the tailplane. It could be flown at speeds as low as 65 KIAS - presumably at a safe height as without a bang seat life would have been interesting with an engine failure!
The aircraft next to RA490 in safetypee's photo is indeed WG768, the Short SB5 in one of its many configurations. As it's in the low tail post-1954 configuration, I suspect that the photo could well have been taken at the 1955 Royal Aircraft Establishment's 50th anniversary at Farnborough.
Westlands used to have a site at RAF Merryfield (it's now an official gypsy site); nearby were a couple of tunnels under the concrete hardstanding with large 90° ducts at one end, venting to atmosphere at the other. As a small boy, once the RN's Sea Venoms had returned to Yeovilton and the aerodrome virtually abandoned, I explored the tunnels wondering what they'd been used for. Doubtless the def-jet Meteor was positioned over them to test the installation. Pictures exist of RA490 at what is clearly Merryfield (there's a particular type of tree in the background which I well remember!), but I think that the aircraft was flown to RAF Farnborough for trials work, also at RAE Bedford.
safetypee, you had the best answer, so over to you!
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Wildest Surrey
Westlands used to have a site at RAF Merryfield (it's now an official gypsy site); nearby were a couple of tunnels under the concrete hardstanding with large 90° ducts at one end, venting to atmosphere at the other. As a small boy, once the RN's Sea Venoms had returned to Yeovilton and the aerodrome virtually abandoned, I explored the tunnels wondering what they'd been used for. Doubtless the def-jet Meteor was positioned over them to test the installation. Pictures exist of RA490 at what is clearly Merryfield (there's a particular type of tree in the background which I well remember!), but I think that the aircraft was flown to RAF Farnborough for trials work, also at RAE Bedford.
safetypee, you had the best answer, so over to you!
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: UK
You blew that one away quite quickly; first to the post takes the next one.
A rare photo showing the airflow.
https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/dat...eecb1945b6.jpg
A rare photo showing the airflow.
https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/dat...eecb1945b6.jpg
Joined: May 2009
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From: New South Wales
Joined: Nov 2005
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 12,448
Likes: 367
From: Wildest Surrey
