'Which chose, like meteors, their way, And rived the dark with private ray'

摘要

In the immediate post-war period the RAF's night fighting capability was handled by later marks of the DH Mosquito, a type that had performed the role to great effect during the war. However, it was clear that with the advent of jet turbine power (witnessed by types such as the Canberra already in the offing) a higher performance machine was required to counter this expected, faster, higher flying threat. By the late forties, it was evident that the advanced 'all weather'fighters the RAF wanted for this role, like the Javelin, would not be ready any time soon. As a temporary solution to this, Gloster proposed a modified Meteor trainer, with four-cannon armament moved to the wings allowing for a radar nose. However, as they were fully committed to Meteor F.8 day fighter production, the night fighter work was given to Armstrong Whitworth and this'stop gap'type evolved through four versions finally arriving at the definitive NF.14 in late 1953. With its bubble canopy at last giving a far better view for the crew, its active service was a scant seven years, and it was fully retired from second line service by 1965. Far from perfect, it held the line and provided the Royal Air Force with valuable experience of jet fighter operations in this most challenging of environments (see'Aircraft in Profile', SAM. Vol42 Iss. 9).