Q&A ยท 4:17:38-4:18:19

A forgotten jet testbed and a better-developed Sea Meteor

An unidentified jet-conversion testbed leads to a proposed Sea Meteor with later Meteor improvements and a stronger airframe.

Question

What was the recalled aircraft conversion from propellers to jet engines?

Short answer

No designation is established beyond its remembered testbed role. A related proposal gives Sea Meteor the improvements made to later Meteors.

Notes

A recalled propeller aircraft converted to jet engines remains unidentified beyond its remembered use as a testbed. Sea Meteor provides a related example of an aircraft that existed without becoming a service type. The proposed alternative gives it the improvements made to later Meteors. Retaining the Mark III airframe would leave structural limitations when heavier improved engines were fitted to its wings.