Actually, the meteor is just a de-tuned merlin, lower compression, only running one bank of plugs, variable timing fixed etc.
One of the engines we supplied found it's way into a Mustang, before being replaced by a Packard, another block was set up in a water bomber/agwagon.
That used to sound real good.
What a lovely sound and must have been a proud moment to fire her up after 17 years inside
'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA
Actually, the meteor is just a de-tuned merlin, lower compression, only running one bank of plugs, variable timing fixed etc.
One of the engines we supplied found it's way into a Mustang, before being replaced by a Packard, another block was set up in a water bomber/agwagon.
That used to sound real good.
The biggest difference is that the meteor has to rotate in the opposite direction to the merlin. As a result the cams are different and the starter Motor is beefed up. The supercharger and reduction gearbox are also removed.
The job of testing all types of weaponry on these Rolls Royce laden aircraft must have been phenominal, with retightening of bolts and ancillaries a frequent task!. If you bear in mind the air frames, especially the wing constructions where most of the ammo was stored, with the exception of the Mosquito, I am surprised you could here yourself talk!!
The Spitfire the "role model" leaped from 8 X .303 Brownings with 300 rounds a piece, to 2 X Hispano Cannons one in each wing. Down side was that when the cannon jammed which they often did in combat, the remaining cannon threw the aircraft well off course and off target. They then moved onto 2 x 0.5" Brownings to support this issue on the later Marks of the Spitfire/Hurricane, an unbelievable achievement in a short stressful five years of WW2 IMHO.
Last edited by Gil Boyd; 08-19-2017 at 05:56 AM.
'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA