FSX RAF Meteor NF11 WM321

This repaint features the Armstrong-Whitworth Meteor NF11 WM321, a distinguished twin-engine jet night fighter originally operated by the Royal Air Force in the early 1950s. Created by Peter Watkins for Rob Richardson’s freeware Meteor NF11 base model, this enhanced texture set brings new life to a classic aircraft once employed by 219 Squadron at RAF Kabrit.

Unique Background on the Meteor NF11 WM321

The depicted aircraft, WM321, actually started as an NF13, which was produced in February 1953. Despite its designation, it closely mirrors the Meteor NF11 design. During its service life, it supported night operations that replaced older piston-driven airframes. This repainted version portrays the Meteor’s presence in 1954 at RAF Kabrit, where its AI Mk 10 (a variant of the SCR-720 radar) was pivotal for night interception and all-weather missions.

Technical Aspects of the NF11 Design

The Meteor NF11 borrowed structural cues from the twin-seat T.7 trainer, yet it utilized the tail and central fuselage taken from the F.8 variant. The wings, extended from the F.3, provided improved handling and sufficient space for relocating the 20 mm cannons. Pilots operated from the forward cockpit, while navigators (or radar operators) managed intercept tasks from the rear cockpit. This configuration was practical for all-weather roles, supplemented by a ventral fuel tank and optional wing-mounted drop tanks to extend operational range.

Installation and Configuration Instructions

1. Place the provided texture folder inside your “Armstrong Whitworth Meteor NF11” directory (found in the FSX “SimObjects > Airplanes” folder).
2. Update the “aircraft.cfg” file by including the following entry, ensuring that “xx” is replaced with the next available number in your sequence:

[fltsim.xx]
title=Armstrong Whitworth Meteor NF11 WM321
sim=Armstrong Whitworth Meteor NF11
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=WM321
kb_checklists=AW_Meteor_NF11_check
kb_reference=AW_Meteor_NF11_ref
ui_manufacturer=Armstrong Whitworth
ui_type=Meteor NF11
ui_variation=WM321
ui_typerole="Twin engine jet night fighter"
ui_createdby="RJR"
atc_id=WM321
atc_airline=Air Force
atc_flight_number=346
description=As a night fighter, the Meteor again replaced the Mosquito however it was never more than an interim measure. The Mosquito night fighter had remained in use even though it was largely obsolete. Gloster proposed a night fighter design to meet the Air Ministry specification for the Mosquito replacement, based on the two seater trainer, with the pilot in the front seat and the navigator in the rear. Once accepted however, the work passed to Armstrong Whitworth for both the detail design and production; the first prototype flew on 31 May 1950. Although based on the T.7 twin seater, it used the fuselage and tail of the F.8, and the longer wings of the F.3. An extended nose contained the AI Mk 10 (the 1940s Westinghouse SCR-720) Air Intercept radar. As a consequence the 20 mm cannons were moved into the wings, outboard of the engines. A ventral fuel tank and wing mounted drop tanks completed the Armstrong Whitworth Meteor NF.11.

Base Model Requirement

To use this repaint, you must have Rob Richardson’s freeware Meteor NF11 model. It can be found in the Fly Away Simulation library. This package does not include the original aircraft, and you will need to install the base files first before applying the custom textures.

Authorship Credits

• Original model and design: Rob Richardson
• Repaint and texture enhancements: Peter Watkins

These creators have meticulously captured the unique characteristics of the Meteor night fighter lineage. The newly applied textures accurately represent WM321’s external markings, reflecting both the historical period and technical details of this jet’s service life.

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