JET AIRCRAFT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21944, 12 February 1946, Page 4

JET AIRCRAFT

FIRST FLIGHT IN N.Z.

AVIATION HISTORY MADE (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 the Gloster Meteor on loan to New Zealand from the R.A.F.

Preparations for the flignt were made by a team of jet experts, under Squadron-Leader G. Woodward New-ton-King, who was sent to Britain two years ago to study jet propulsion. When wheeled out for the test flight the plane displayed no outstandi»gly unusual features, apart. obviously, from the lack of propellers. As the machine 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 airborne before she had passed half the length of the field. After gaining height, SquadronLeader 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 manoeuvreability, combined with speed and climbing power. Further tests will be made this week and the plane will be seen later :n other centres.