The South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum reached a significant milestone in its long-term restoration of former RAE Gloster Meteor T.7 WA662 late last year

On November 20 the starboard outer wing was mated with the rest of the jet following restoration and painting.

The Doncaster-based attraction stated: “[This marks] the first time that all major components of WA662 have been assembled since the museum acquired the aircraft.” The 1950-built jet served with several units, including the RAF’s 3 Squadron, the Station Flight at Gütersloh and Wildenrath, and the Fighter Command Communication Squadron, before being transferred to the RAE.

James Stables, one of the volunteers involved, said: “The museum acquired ‘662 in 1994 and it’s been under restoration on and off pretty much ever since. It has been restored one section at a time, with the starboard wing the last major piece to be done. All that remains now is the fitting of several trim and fillet panels around the wings, restore the ventral [fuel] tank, and touch up a few areas of the paintwork.”