FIRST JET AIRCRAFT

Evening Star, Issue 25715, 12 February 1946, Page 10

FIRST JET AIRCRAFT

j GLOSTER SHOWS ITS PACES AIRBORNE IK HALF STRIP (P.A.) AUCKLAND, Feb. 11. Aviation history was made in the Dominion this morning, when a jetpropelled aircraft took off into a slight haze at Hobsonville and landed at Whenuapai after a brief but thrilling exhibition of aerobatics. The -aircraft was a Gloster Meteor on loan to New Zealand: from the 11.A.F. Preparations for the flight were made by a team of jet experts under Squadron-leader G. Woodward, who was sent to Great Britain two years ago to study jet propulsion. When wheeled out for the test fliglit the plane displayed no outstandingly unusual features apart from the lack of propellers. As the machine was prepared for the take-off there was none of the stuttering roar normally associated: with aircraft engines. Instead there was a low whine, followed by a " whoof" as the kerosene fuel ignited. The engine note changed from a hiss to a whistle, and finally to a scream as the revolutions mounted. The take-off came almost as an anticlimax. The Meteor was air-borne before she had passed half the length of the field.

After gaining height, Squadron-leader R. McKay put the Meteor through her paces. Loops, half rolls, climbing rolls, and tight figures of eight were all performed with equal ease. The main impression gained was that of manoeuvrability, combined: with speed and climbing power. Further tests are to be made this week, and the plane will later be seen in other centres.