{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-gloster-meteor-mk-4-plastic-model-kit","title":"SPECIAL HOBBY 1\/72 Gloster Meteor Mk.4 Plastic Model Kit","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECIAL HOBBY 1\/72 Gloster Meteor Mk.4 Plastic Model Kit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis model kit is supplied on two styrene sprues together with a clear parts frame, and includes a finely printed decal sheet offering markings for three RAF aircraft and one machine of the Royal Netherlands Air Force.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Mk.4 represented an important early post-war development of Britain’s pioneering jet fighter, the Gloster Meteor. As the first Allied jet aircraft to enter operational service during the Second World War, the Meteor had already secured its place in aviation history by the time the Mk.4 standard was introduced. The prototype first flew on 5 March 1943, and the type entered RAF service in 1944 with No. 616 Squadron becoming the first operational unit. Designed under George Carter, the Meteor was powered by twin turbojet engines and became the first mass-produced Allied jet fighter, second only in the world to the German Me 262.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFollowing wartime service, the Meteor continued to evolve rapidly as jet technology matured. The Mk.4 introduced significant aerodynamic refinements and structural strengthening, alongside improved Rolls-Royce Derwent engines, which provided enhanced performance and reliability over earlier marks. The type formed the backbone of early RAF jet fighter units and was widely exported, establishing itself as one of the most important transitional aircraft of the immediate post-war period.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Mk.4 served with multiple RAF squadrons and also saw service with several European air arms, including the Royal Netherlands Air Force, reflecting the rapid spread of jet technology across post-war NATO aviation forces. Although originally developed for wartime interception duties, the Meteor Mk.4 became a key platform in the transition from piston-engine to jet-powered air forces.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTechnical data (Meteor Mk.4): length 13.59 m, wingspan 11.32 m, height 3.96 m, maximum speed approx. 965 km\/h, climb rate 35.6 m\/s, service ceiling 13,100 m, range 965 km, armament: 4 × 20 mm Hispano cannons.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46630148178081,"sku":"SH-72498","price":43.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1008\/9754\/files\/SH72498.jpg?v=1782885677","url":"https:\/\/www.hearnshobbies.com\/products\/special-hobby-1-72-gloster-meteor-mk-4-plastic-model-kit","provider":"Hearns Hobbies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}