Gloster Javelin

Gloster Javelin
tormentor4555 · PDM-owner · source
Name	Gloster Javelin
Caption	A Gloster Javelin FAW.9 at the RAF Museum Cosford
Type	All-weather interceptor aircraft
National origin	United Kingdom
Manufacturer	Gloster Aircraft Company
Designer	George Carter
First flight	26 November 1951
Introduced	29 February 1956
Retired	April 1968
Primary user	Royal Air Force
Number built	436
Developed from	Gloster GA.5

Gloster Javelin was a twin-engined delta-winged all-weather interceptor aircraft that served with the Royal Air Force from the mid-1950s until the late 1960s. Designed and built by the Gloster Aircraft Company, it was the UK's first purpose-built all-weather fighter aircraft to enter squadron service. The Javelin was a large, heavily armed aircraft intended to defend British airspace against potential Soviet bomber threats during the Cold War.

Development and design

The Javelin's development was initiated by the Air Ministry under Air Ministry specification F.4/48, which called for a high-performance night fighter capable of engaging enemy aircraft in all weather conditions. The design team, led by George Carter at the Gloster Aircraft Company, opted for a radical delta wing configuration to provide the necessary internal volume for fuel and avionics, as well as high-speed performance. The aircraft was powered by two Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire turbojet engines mounted in the wing roots, and it featured a distinctive T-tail to keep the empennage clear of the engine exhaust. The initial prototype, designated the Gloster GA.5, first flew from RAF Boscombe Down in 1951, piloted by Bill Waterton. The design evolved through numerous modifications to address issues with aerodynamics, engine performance, and the complex AI.17 radar and Firestreak air-to-air missile systems, leading to a protracted and challenging test program managed by the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment.

Operational history

The Javelin entered operational service with No. 46 Squadron RAF at RAF Odiham in 1956, replacing the Gloster Meteor and de Havilland Venom in the all-weather role. Subsequent squadrons were equipped at bases including RAF Wattisham, RAF Leuchars, and RAF Geilenkirchen in West Germany as part of RAF Germany. The type saw its only combat deployment during the Konfrontasi with Indonesia, where Javelins from No. 60 Squadron RAF and No. 64 Squadron RAF operated from RAF Tengah in Singapore to provide air defense. Although it never fired its weapons in anger, the Javelin's presence was a significant deterrent. The aircraft's service was gradually phased out from 1964 onwards with the introduction of the more capable English Electric Lightning, with the last frontline squadron, No. 5 Squadron RAF, retiring its aircraft in 1967, followed by final retirement from Target Facilities Flight duties in 1968.

Variants

The Javelin was produced in nine main marks, each incorporating progressive upgrades. The initial Javelin FAW.1 featured the original wing and Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 6 engines. The Javelin FAW.2 introduced an improved AI.22 radar. Major changes came with the Javelin FAW.7, which had new Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 7 engines with afterburners, a larger wing for extra fuel, and was armed with four de Havilland Firestreak infrared homing missiles. The definitive and most numerous variant was the Javelin FAW.9, a rebuild of the FAW.7 with even more powerful Sapphire 7R engines, an in-flight refueling probe, and an extended combat radius. The final variant was the Javelin FAW.10, which replaced the Firestreak with the newer de Havilland Red Top missile. Several Javelin T.3 dual-control trainers were also built.

Operators

The sole operational operator of the Javelin was the Royal Air Force. It equipped numerous squadrons within Fighter Command, RAF Germany, and the Far East Air Force. A small number of aircraft were also used by the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment at RAF Boscombe Down, the Central Fighter Establishment, and the Royal Aircraft Establishment for test and evaluation purposes. No Javelins were exported to foreign air forces.

Specifications (Javelin FAW.9)

* **Crew:** 2 (pilot and airborne intercept officer) * **Length:** 56 ft 9 in (17.15 m) * **Wingspan:** 52 ft (15.85 m) * **Height:** 16 ft (4.88 m) * **Wing area:** 927 sq ft (86.1 m²) * **Empty weight:** 24,000 lb (10,886 kg) * **Max takeoff weight:** 43,165 lb (19,580 kg) * **Powerplant:** 2 × Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 7R turbojet engines with afterburner, 12,300 lbf (55 kN) thrust each * **Maximum speed:** 710 mph (1,140 km/h) at 40,000 ft (12,000 m) * **Range:** 1,500 mi (2,400 km) with external tanks * **Service ceiling:** 52,800 ft (16,100 m) * **Armament:** 4 × de Havilland Firestreak air-to-air missiles or 4 × 30 mm ADEN cannon in wings

Accidents and incidents

The Javelin's service career was marred by a significant number of accidents, a common trait among early high-performance jet aircraft. Early models were particularly prone to issues with deep stall characteristics due to the T-tail design and engine flameouts. A notable crash occurred in 1953 when the second prototype, flown by Peter Lawrence, was lost during stall tests, although Lawrence ejected safely. In 1956, a Javelin FAW.1 from the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment crashed at RAF Boscombe Down, killing the crew. Operational losses continued throughout its service; for example, a Javelin FAW.9 from No. 23 Squadron RAF crashed in West Germany in 1965 following an engine failure. The high accident rate contributed to the aircraft's challenging reputation among its aircrews.

Category:Gloster aircraft Category:Delta-wing aircraft Category:Twinjet aircraft Category:Military aircraft of the Cold War