project "white bird" for operation grapple 1957

[lenny100]

The need for very high altitude sampling during operation "Grapple" in 1957 proved to be a problem.
The aircraft already slated for sampling and weather data were unable to fly at 70,000 feet plus needed and the only way forward looked like weather balloons if the wind were right, not exactly reliable!
Gloster aircraft then came forward with a solution. using the prone pilot meteor f4 prototype they had built but never flown because of wing fatigue problems , with shielding built into the forward pilot compartment and the second cockpit area removed to house sampling equipment, a new sail wing and a specail development of the Derwent 8 engine.

[Nick]

Looks like a Swan in that white camouflage and the long neck. Maybe Gloster Goose would be better?

[deathjester]

Oh no    You've talked to Kit again, and NOW look what's happened!!!

Seriously though, that is beautiful - well done!! 

[crudebuteffective]

very nice!

[pyro-manic]

Oh, wow - spectacular!

My only comment would be that perhaps bigger tail surfaces would be necessary?

[lancer]

Oh that is a real thing of beauty...Nice going Lenny

[rickshaw]

This raises a question, I think.  How long can the wings on a Meteor be?

She is a thing of beauty.  Lovely in that white scheme.    I think "Goose" would be the perfect name for it.

[McColm]

Great work ,well done .

[darthspud]

gorgeous and almost believable.

[JayBee]

This raises a question, I think.  How long can the wings on a Meteor be?

How long is a piece of string?

[PR19_Kit]

Magnificent thinking and modelling there! 

Did you use the ENTIRE U-2 wings for the sections outboard of the engines and then trim the chord to suit the Derwent's nacelles?

[lenny100]

Magnificent thinking and modelling there!  

Did you use the ENTIRE U-2 wings for the sections outboard of the engines and then trim the chord to suit the Derwent's nacelles?

They are a pair of full airfix u2 wings with only a small cut back on the rear to blend the rear into the nacelles . I stuck them directly on the wing stubs when i cut off the outer wings at the first panel line out from the engines

[PR19_Kit]

Gotcha. Way to go for maximum span. 

When I did the PR19 I trimmed the inboard end of the U2 wings until the chord matched that of the engine nacelles

[Tophe]

Beautiful! Congratulations!

[crudebuteffective]

calm down

I call for wing increase length limitation talks (W.I.L.L.T) otherwise this arms or wings race will get out of hand lol