FSX Belgian Meteor NF11

The Armstrong-Whitworth Meteor NF11 in Belgian Air Force markings brings historic jet-night-fighter realism to FSX. This particular variant, designated EN8, represents one of the 24 NF11 aircraft that served with Belgium's No. 11 Night Fighter Squadron. The custom exterior, created by Peter Watkins, requires Rob Richardson’s freeware Meteor NF11 base model. This repaint replicates the look of EN8—formerly RAF WD731—right down to the markings it wore before its tragic loss at Beauvechain on 12 April 1956 due to engine failure. Below, you will find the main technical points and instructions to help you install this unique add-on.

In-Depth Look at the Meteor NF11’s Role

The Meteor family, produced by Gloster and later Armstrong-Whitworth, served as pivotal twin-engine jets during the post-WWII years. In its NF11 form, the airframe adopted an elongated nose containing AI Mk 10 radar (originally the 1940s Westinghouse SCR-720). This night-fighter mission profile required relocating the cannons to wing positions outboard of the powerplants. Although it was, in many ways, an interim step that followed the de Havilland Mosquito, it filled critical air defense needs. The NF11 design also fused the T.7 training model’s two-seat configuration with the aerodynamic enhancements of the F.8’s tail plane and the F.3’s larger wing surface.

Historical Context for the Belgian Air Force EN8

Belgium’s adoption of the Meteor NF11, including the airframe designated EN8, underscored the importance of an effective jet-powered night-fighter capability in Europe. Despite its proven service, EN8 met an unfortunate end in April 1956 when powerplant issues forced the aircraft down at Beauvechain. Prior to that incident, it flew with the emblem of No. 11 Night Fighter Squadron, a unit that traced its lineage to defending national airspace both day and night. This livery reflects that chapter in aviation history while paying homage to the Belgian Air Force’s early jet-fighter era.

Steps for Incorporating This Livery

Implementing this Belgian Meteor NF11 texture is straightforward. However, remember that the base Armstrong Whitworth Meteor NF11 freeware aircraft by Rob Richardson must already be installed in your FSX “SimObjects/Airplanes” directory to ensure compatibility.

• Insert the Belgian texture folder into the “Armstrong Whitworth Meteor NF11” folder inside your FSX “Airplanes” directory.
• Open the aircraft configuration (CFG) file and paste the following entry, adjusting “xx” to the next sequential number in your config:

[fltsim.xx]
title=Armstrong Whitworth Meteor NF11 Belgian
sim=Armstrong Whitworth Meteor NF11
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=Belgian
kb_checklists=AW_Meteor_NF11_check
kb_reference=AW_Meteor_NF11_ref
ui_manufacturer=Armstrong Whitworth
ui_type=Meteor NF11
ui_variation=Belgian
ui_typerole="Twin engine jet night fighter"
ui_createdby="RJR"
atc_id=EN8
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.

Additional Comments

This new texture has been meticulously crafted by Peter Watkins, ensuring authentic Belgian markings and subtle details. It captures the striking lines of Rob Richardson’s original Meteor NF11 model in a historically significant paint scheme. With its jet twin-engine layout, night-fighting radar, and storied operational background, this aircraft provides a fascinating experience for flight simulation enthusiasts who appreciate post-war military aviation. The base package is freeware and can be obtained from the Fly Away Simulation library if it is not already part of your collection.

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