Prone Position Gloster Meteor

The Gloster Meteor was the first operational jet fighter to enter service with the Royal Air Force. This aircraft is an F8 variant and had a prone position cockpit fitted in the front of the nose, to help evaluate the effects of G force on the human body while lying down. Unfortunately the challenges of operating the aircraft’s controls outweighed the advantages of being able to sustain higher G loads and the project was drawn to a conclusion after just over 50 flight hours. Given the difficulties of flying the aircraft lying down, the aircraft was never flown solo from the front cockpit.
The Meteor first flew in March 1943 and entered service in July 1944. Powered by two Rolls Royce Welland turbojet engines, the Meteor had a top speed of around 600 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest aircraft of its time. Initially designed as a single seat fighter, the type would subsequently be developed into a night fighter and two seat trainer. While the Meteor saw limited combat action during the Second World War, it was used extensively during the Korean War and was exported to several other countries such as Australia, Belgium and Egypt. Over 3,900 Meteors were manufactured, making them one of the most successful early jet fighters.