Meteor F. Mk 8 A77-868

Meteors were Britain's first jet-propelled fighters, coming into service with the RAF in 1943, and were the first jet fighters used in combat by the RAAF.

When issued to 77 Squadron to replace the piston engined Mustangs in 1951, it was hoped the F8 would prove a match for the MiG 15s supplied to North Korea by the Chinese Air force, but in fact they were inferior in speed and efficiency at high altitude. 77 Squadron found the MiGs superiority proved in actions over Chongju in "MiG Alley", so the role of the F8 was changed to escorting B29 bombers being operated by US Airforce. Later, because of losses being suffered from MiGs operating from Manchuria, the US Airforce abandoned daylight precision bombing and the Australian Meteors were used for patrol work and airfield defence. At the end of 1951 the F8 was found to be specially suited for ground attack, due to its rugged construction and low altitude performance and it was in this role that Squadron 77 wrought heavy damage to enemy ground installations.

After the ceasefire in Korea, A77- 868 returned to Australia with some 250 hours accumulated and was issued to 77b Squadron of 78(F) Wing. In June 1956 the aircraft was allotted to 22(F) Squadron and in March 1958 it was dispatched to 2AD, where it was declared surplus by the RAAF and passed to Aero-equipment of Australia in December 1958 and to Mr A Oates in October 1959.

In August 1960, the Sydney Technical College School of Aircraft Engineering received the aircraft for apprentice training and it was acquired by the Museum in September 1971.