Can we please stop hotlinking pics?

What is this?

Looks like a Gloster Meteor:

Yup, only jet engine craft to see active ww2 duty in the RAF.

You may ask:  If it's a jet, why are the engine nacelles so fat?  (OK, no one asked that...)

It's because they are centrifugal flow motors, as opposed to the, now omipresent, axial flow.  Which is the basic design of the very first jet engine designed by Whittle (though a bit more linear in design).  Basically a giant centrifugal supercharger that compressed air into various combustion chambers that flow into the turbine stage (which is connected to the compressor of course), seen below.  Similar "fat" engines where used in the T-33/P-80. The Me262 used an axial flow motor, so are much thinner. 

First jet engine, Whittle engine:

Me-262

Shadeux said:

I know it's a gasser thing, but I HATE the red / yellow windows look.  Just imagining what it must be like in there gives me a migraine.

Duke said:

Ashley GT roof for Spridgets. Fiberglass fastback still available. Very cool.

aircooled said:

First jet engine, Whittle engine:

I don't know about that. Looks like a pretty berkeleyin' big jet engine to me.

NickD said:

At the Udvar-Hazy National Air&Space Center in Dulles, they have a P47 hanging from the overhead next to one of the upper floor open walkways. You're about 10 feet from the nose of the aircraft and unless you've been around them before and have seen them in real life other than just pictures, the realization the Thunderbolt is merely a really big berkeleyin' engine with little wings attached hits pretty hard. A very impressive exhibit.

BTW, The Udvar-Hazy is a spectacular showcase of everything aviation. Plan on a full day.

Jerry Miller with the Eilen Jewell band.

Jerry.

Speaking of chonky jets, the SAAB 29 also used a centrifugal DeHavilland licensed jet engine.

They got that chonkiness figured out with the model 35...

Gary said:

Duke said:

Ashley GT roof for Spridgets. Fiberglass fastback still available. Very cool.

TIL that I have no reason to not want a Midget anymore

In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :

They do Speedwell Sprites as well

Ashley GT