British or German Jet

Gloster F.9/40 "Meteor" and the ME-262 which one was the best?

[ 25. January 2006, 05:56 PM: Message edited by: Richard42 ]

 

I'll sit on the fence here by saying that I don't know....

I was going to say 'Me 262' but on paper the two were fairly close, and the original Meteor underwent considerable further development. The British machine never had to go into action against fleets of bombers over its own country, so it's hard to compare.

 

OK let’s take the combat element out of it for now, and look at their individual merits as early Jet planes for now.

 

you can't even compare a Peach with a lemon. the Meteor really had no WW 2 track record in comparison to the ever evolving Me 262A and B. I am aware of the Meteor's ww2 career by the way. this is all a large what if discussed on almost every WW 2 aircraft forum(s), and everyone has their own true opinion, along with the what if had the US F-86 been in production how would of it faired against the Me 262 ? sorry Richard not to be a spoiled sport here, but ..........

 

Ok Eric carry on I am interested what people have got to say, go for it.

 

I agree gentlemen, that's a tough comparison especially since they never faced each other in combat. Both were eperimantal aircraft and both, (but especialy the 262) were built to their intented spocifications due to wartime material needs or the limitations imposed by enemy bombing. If I had to guess, I'd say the 262, especially with an experten pilot in the cockpit, but that's only a guess.

 

On a purely technical basis I would say the Me 262. As an operational fighter aircraft on an ongoing basis in general use with an air force, I would say the Meteor.
The 262 on paper and in one on one trials was definitely a better aircraft than the Meteor. It was faster, heavier armed, etc. On the other side of this, the Meteor was far more reliable...the 262 would likely need an engine change after every 1 or 2 sorties, suffered from landing gear failures, imbalanced controls, poor workmanship etc. The Meteor was also less of a fuel hog. Whittle had the luck to devise a zero cavitation turbine (well, compressor really) impeller that the Germans failed to do. This increased the efficency of the compressor section greatly. Couple this with the British use of Inconel (Nickel chrome alloys as they are now classified) the Meteror could operate about as reliably as a piston engined aircraft.
The overall fit and finish of the Meteror was better as well.
So, realistically, over the long run in operation the Meteror would have proved the "better" aircraft overall.

 

yea, id say me 262..

 

The German ace Adolf Galland who flew the Me 262 in combat during WW2, and the Gloster Meteor post-war was asked this question, his reply was that the ideal aircraft would have been a Me 262 with British engines.

 

Very Diplomatic of Adolf Galland.

 

haha

 

What I can make out it's a tough one, I still can not make up my mind yet, may be some more posts will help me keep them coming.

 

why don't you read up on the subject matter ~ book(s) instead of depending on the forum members to give you the answers you seek.

much to dependent many of you on the internet

 

This is a purely subjective offering but I called in at the RAF Museum today to view the 262 there, and also looked at the later-model Meteor on display.

Interesting how the 262 is another one of those German weapons which looks so purposeful and sinister ( like the MP40, Panther and V2 ). Whereas the Meteor looks so British ...upright and rather staid-looking.

( But staid-looking can be deceptive : think of the Lancaster... ).

 

Eric, I do read books but that's only one view point per book, this forum has hundreds of views to listen to.

Due to the fact both planes never met each other in combat that's what made it tricky for me I think the ME-262 just has the edge for me their done it made up my mind

 

Richard may I make a suggestion........go back an read all the old threads and you may have a large viewpoint to work from

 

I did good points, made my mind up job done thanks.

[ 27. January 2006, 02:35 PM: Message edited by: Richard42 ]

 

I think the me262 is just cooler looking - if that makes any difference.

 

No I just made my mind up.

Nice Point I have seen two ME-262's sleek design

 

Just watched a document on the Gloster Meteor. It is mentioned that the engine working system for the me 262 is more demanding but can give higher speed. Then again the Meteor would be more reliable.

The thing that would make the me 262 winner in battle might be the swept wing. In the document film this was claimed to be proved by the Mig-15 being so much better in the Korean battles ( with the swept wing ) against Meteors.

Anyone have any stats on the battles in the Korean period? And can Mig-15 and me 262 be compared with each other really?

From the document film:

http://www.sendit.com/video/item/7000000099483