Today we’ll be taking a look at the main reward in the Eye in the Sky vehicle event that started today: the Israeli Meteor FR Mk.9!
Meteor FR Mk.9: An Event Vehicle Jet Fighter for Israel at Rank V
At a glance:
- Four 20 mm cannons.
- Large ammunition capacity.
- Good rate of climb.
- Ability to fire rockets.
Vehicle History
The Meteor FR.9 modification was developed on the basis of the Meteor F.8 as a fighter-reconnaissance aircraft, where the nose could accommodate camera equipment. In the mid-50s, this aircraft modification began to be withdrawn from Royal Air Force service, causing Great Britain to sell some of the old aircraft to the Israeli Air Force. Almost all of the aircraft Israel received were converted into fighters, and their camera equipment was dismantled. In 1955, the Meteor FR Mk.9 became the first jet aircraft in the Israeli Air Force to achieve an aerial victory when it shot down two Egyptian Vampire fighters.
In the 1960s, the Meteor FR Mk.9 began to be used in secondary roles and was completely withdrawn from operational service soon after. They were listed as part of the Israeli Air Force in some capacity until 1970.
Introducing the Meteor FR Mk.9!
The Israeli Air Force Meteor FR Mk.9 is a compact jet fighter distinguished by powerful 20 mm cannons, good acceleration and the ability to carry rockets. This jet aircraft, along with decals and decorations can be obtained in the Eye in the Sky aircraft event that started today — check it out in the link below! Let’s take a closer look at what this aircraft has to offer.
There are many Meteor variants, but what is this one exactly? The Meteor FR Mk.9 is a reconnaissance modification and a direct relative of the well-known Meteor F.8. It was originally intended to carry camera equipment in the nose, but was mostly used as a fighter jet in Israeli Air Force service instead. Those of you who have played the Meteors in the British or Israel tree will appreciate their good acceleration and cannons with a high ammunition count — and you’ll be happy to know that the Meteor FR Mk.9 retains all these key features!
Did you know? The Meteor FR Mk.9 was Israel’s first jet to get an aerial victory when it shot down an Egyptian Vampire in 1955.
In battles against other early jet aircraft, the Meteor FR Mk.9 can gain altitude faster than many contemporary opponents and attack in a dive when teams meet at the front line in air battles. The Meteor doesn’t like sharp maneuvers, so in order to conserve energy, be sure to climb back to altitude again after an attack without entering into a turn fight.
As for weaponry, the Meteor FR Mk.9 includes the traditional Meteor gun layout and arrangement of four 20 mm Hispano cannons in the nose with a large ammunition capacity of 780 rounds. While it is more of a fighter than a CAS aircraft, the rockets and cannons can make for a cheap but effective spawn in combined battles. Aside from the rockets, the cannons have quite high penetration, a max of 36 mm! From the top down, these cannons can rip through the engine deck of many ground vehicles and the maneuverability of the Meteor lets it operate well in this environment, so even clean-wing it offers versatility.
That’s it for this blog! The Israeli Meteor FR Mk.9 is a competitive early jet aircraft that can be obtained in the Eye of the Sky aircraft event that started today. For some, this jet will be their first aircraft in the Israel tree, for some an addition to their ground forces lineup, and for others the first jet aircraft they ever obtain!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.
https://steamcommunity.com/games/236390/announcements/detail/535473107390955693?snr=2___
