Gloster Meteor Reaper

[Accidental Loggie]

It's hard to believe that it's 65 years ago since the Gloster Meteor Reaper was withdrawn from RAF service, so I thought that it was appropriate to jog the collective memory on its success.  It's also fortunate that @Freightdog862 has released a conversion kit to allow us recreate this multi-role icon.  Accompanying photos are of a 263 Sqn example, as featured at last weekend's SMW in Telford.  Enjoy!

Overview
The Gloster Reaper entered Royal Air Force service in 1952 as a purpose-built jet fighter-bomber, bridging the gap between the piston-engined close-support aircraft of the Second World War and the swept-wing types then under development.
Developed from the Meteor F.8, the Reaper incorporated reinforced fuselage and wing structures, underwing hardpoints for bombs and rockets, wingtip tanks for extended range, and provision for rocket-assisted take-off when heavily laden. Adopted at a time when the Meteor's value as a frontline fighter was declining, the Reaper provided a cost-effective, immediately available solution to the RAF's requirement for a jet-powered strike aircraft.

Operational Service (RAF)
The first operational units, Nos. 3 and 245 Squadrons of 2nd Tactical Air Force, began receiving the Reaper early in 1952. In service, the type demonstrated excellent reliability and the ability to deliver a weapons load nearly double that of the standard Meteor F.8, proving well suited to counter-armour and interdiction missions in the NATO Central Region.
By 1953, Nos. 98 and 263 Squadrons had also converted to the Reaper, with limited overseas deployments to Malaya, where the type's endurance and heavy ordnance capacity proved valuable in the counter-insurgency role. A small detachment operated briefly in Korea, augmenting Australian Meteor squadrons engaged under United Nations command.
Typical armament comprised two 1,000 lb bombs or four 500 lb bombs, up to sixteen 60 lb RP-3 rockets, and four 20 mm Hispano cannon; wingtip tanks were normally fitted for extended operations.

Reaper FGR.10
In parallel with the strike version, Gloster developed the Reaper FGR.10, derived from the Meteor FR.9 airframe but equipped with the Reaper's reinforced pylons and weapon systems. Entering service in 1953, the FGR.10 provided the RAF's first true multirole jet, capable of both tactical reconnaissance and ground attack.
Nos. 2 and 79 Squadrons, also within 2nd Tactical Air Force, re-equipped with the FGR.10 for reconnaissance of Warsaw Pact troop concentrations and infrastructure, while retaining full offensive capability. The standard reconnaissance fit comprised one forward-facing and two oblique cameras housed in a lengthened nose.
Trials with No. 208 Squadron in the Middle East further demonstrated the aircraft's flexibility under austere conditions, where it combined reconnaissance and strike roles effectively in high temperatures and unprepared strips.

Later Service and Replacement
The Reaper family remained in RAF use until the late 1950s, gradually displaced by the Hawker Hunter FGA.9 and Hunter FR.10, which offered higher performance and improved avionics, and by the English Electric Canberra, which assumed long-range strike and reconnaissance duties.
By 1960, all remaining Reapers had been retired or relegated to secondary training and trials duties. Despite its short service life, the Reaper was of considerable operational significance, providing a transitional capability that helped establish the RAF's post-war doctrine for multirole, jet-powered tactical operations.

RAF Service Chronology
•    1952 – Reaper enters service; first operational squadrons: Nos. 3 and 245 (2nd TAF).
•    1953 – Nos. 98 and 263 Squadrons convert; deployments to Malaya and Korea. Introduction of Reaper FGR.10 with Nos. 2 and 79 Squadrons.
•    1954–55 – Routine operations established in Germany and the Middle East; reconnaissance trials with No. 208 Squadron.
•    1956 – Limited participation during the Suez Crisis for evaluation of reconnaissance and strike duties.
•    1957–58 – Progressive replacement by the Hunter FGA.9 and FR.10.
•    1959–60 – Final withdrawals; remaining aircraft used for training and test duties.

Export Service

Royal Australian Air Force – Reaper Mk.21
The RAAF adopted the Reaper Mk.21 in 1954 as an interim strike and reconnaissance aircraft pending the arrival of the CAC Sabre. Based on the FGR.10, it featured tropicalised equipment, strengthened landing gear, and modified avionics. Operated by Nos. 75 and 77 Squadrons in Malaya under Far East Air Forces, the Mk.21 proved reliable and effective in counter-insurgency operations. Withdrawn by 1961.

Royal Canadian Air Force – Reaper CF.10
The RCAF obtained the CF.10 in 1953 under licence by Canadair to fulfil an interim tactical reconnaissance role within No. 1 Air Division (Europe). Equipped with local camera fits and Canadian instrumentation, it served with Nos. 414 and 430 Squadrons until 1958, when replaced by the CF-104 Starfighter.

Indian Air Force – Reaper Mk.30
India purchased surplus Reaper FGR.10s, redesignated Reaper Mk.30, between 1955–56 to replace de Havilland Vampires in the strike and reconnaissance role. Operated by Nos. 5 and 8 Squadrons, the type served through the late 1950s before being phased out by Hawker Hunters and Gnats.

Summary of Marks and Export Equivalents
RAF Designation    Export Equivalent    Operator    Key Modifications    Service Period
Reaper (F/B)    —    RAF    Baseline strike aircraft    1952–59
Reaper FGR.10    Reaper Mk.21    RAAF    Tropicalised, reinforced gear    1954–61
Reaper FGR.10    Reaper CF.10    RCAF    Local avionics and cameras    1953–58
Reaper FGR.10    Reaper Mk.30    IAF    Simplified systems, Indian optics    1955–63

Developmental and Strategic Footnote
The 1957 Defence White Paper, which shifted UK defence policy towards guided missiles, effectively curtailed any future development of the Reaper series. Proposals for an advanced Reaper FGR.3, featuring radar, afterburning engines, and a thinner wing, were abandoned.

Nonetheless, the Reaper demonstrated the value of adaptable multirole aircraft derived from existing designs—a lesson influencing later projects such as the Hunter FGA.9, Jaguar, and Phantom FGR.2. Its operational record within the RAF and among Commonwealth partners reflected a capable and well-balanced platform that bridged two eras of British air power.

[PR19_Kit]

Very well researched Dominic, just the sort of thing we need here.   

By the way, Colin Frieghtdog had your model at the last count.

[kitbasher]

 

Nice one 👍 looked very good at Telford, Dominic.

[Accidental Loggie]

By the way, Colin Frieghtdog had your model at the last count.

Thanks Kit - I had a quick chat with him earlier today, and it might make a travelling appearance on his stand over the next few months.  This means that I currently have a Reaper-sized hole on my shelves which might have to be filled sooner rather than later with a FGR10 (or should it perhaps be a TSR1?!).

[PR19_Kit]

(or should it perhaps be a TSR1?!).

My memory says that was already taken by Fairey with a biplane torpedo bomber. Yes, it was the Swordfish! 

[Charlie_c67]

I had a good close look at Telford, a very good looking machine 

As to the mark, FGR.9a for your next build? May give me impetus to crack on with mine after the Stringbag.

[Knightflyer]

May I ask one thing, as I'm thinking I'm missing the obvious?

What was the original designation of the Reaper in RAF service - Meteor FG.Mk.8 ? I've read through the opening paragraphs a couple of times and can't see a Mark number mentioned before the FGR.Mk.10 ?

Brilliant alternative history though 

[kitbasher]

May I ask one thing, as I'm thinking I'm missing the obvious?

What was the original designation of the Reaper in RAF service - Meteor FG.Mk.8 ? I've read through the opening paragraphs a couple of times and can't see a Mark number mentioned before the FGR.Mk.10 ?

Brilliant alternative history though 

There was only ever one prototype Meteor 'Reaper', it never went into production.

[Knightflyer]

I'm referring to the Reaper in this ALTERNATIVE HISTORY, where it appears it most definitely went into production! 

[scautomoton]

Perhaps it could have been really alternative and designated a B(I).8........

[NARSES2]

She really did look nice on the stand at Telford   

[PR19_Kit]

Perhaps it could have been really alternative and designated a B(I).8........

It'd have had to have the cockpit offset to port to be truly in a B(I)8 character though. 

[scautomoton]

Perhaps it could have been really alternative and designated a B(I).8........

It'd have had to have the cockpit offset to port to be truly in a B(I)8 character though. 

ha, that would see the pilot sitting outside the aircraft then, its a bit narrow

[Charlie_c67]

Perhaps it could have been really alternative and designated a B(I).8........

FB(I).8 surely?

[scautomoton]

This makes me think of Ali G.