Re: Meteor F.4, RA394 test a/c ?
Alex
RA394 crashed 22.4.1947 with civilian Gloster production test pilot J Bridge killed (some sources say he was a Lt, so possibly ex RAF). He was on the third and final test flight when he had a starboard engine failure (always a critical situation in the Meteor). He tried to land in a very gusty crosswind condition and just did not make it.
I don't believe this aircraft was testing anything special, it was a production aircraft that, due to the above, never was delivered.
RA382 on the other hand was a true test aircraft and was, as you say, fitted with the E.1/44 tail unit.
B Rgds
Stig
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