5 Facts About The Gloster Javelin

The Gloster Javelin is a key British fighter jet during the Cold War. It’s a twin-engine all-weather interceptor that served the RAF from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s. 

Here are some interesting facts that you need to know about this iconic jet: 

1. Not A True Supersonic Aircraft

Although the Javelin was capable of approaching supersonic speeds in a dive, it was not a true supersonic aircraft in level flight. Its maximum speed was around Mach 0.95 at altitude.

However, its powerful engines and aerodynamic design allowed it to climb rapidly and intercept high-flying threats efficiently.

2. The Javelin Had a Long Development Time

The Gloster Javelin faced several technical challenges during its development and early operational life, including issues with stability and control.

Over its service life, it underwent numerous upgrades and modifications to address these problems and improve its performance.

Regardless, pilots who flew it had high opinions about it, valuing its superior armament and spacious cockpit. 

3. Its strength is its ability to end a confrontation before it turns into a close-range dogfight

This is due to its extremely effective air brakes that can make pursuing planes unexpectedly overshoot. These brakes also allow impressively sharp descents during landing. 

4. Javelins Had A Two-Man Crew

Unlike many other fighters of its era, the Javelin was designed to carry a pilot and a radar operator.

The inclusion of a second crew member was to manage the aircraft’s radar and weapons systems, reflecting its role as an all-weather interceptor.

5. It was “an aircraft of firsts” for the Royal Air Force

The Javelin was the RAF’s first true all-weather fighter, their first missile-armed fighter, and the first aircraft type in the RAF to be equipped with afterburner engines.