Meteor canopy

The Meteor F.4 had a sliding bubble-type hood which slid back and covered the metal faired portion behind. The early F.8’s had a one-piece canopy which looked similar, though the metal faired portion behind became a part of the sliding hood so slid with it rather than under it.

The ammunition for the four 20mm guns (mounted two either side of the pilot) was stored in the bay under the metal portion of the earlier Meteors so, presumably, this was one of the reasons the metal portion was separate, hinging up to allow access to the bay.

Later F.8 canopies went fully transparent for better pilot visibility and this change came in around 1950, all subsequent day fighter Meteors retaining this type. It was not uncommon for Meteors in the same squadron to have different canopy types.

In this one-piece arrangement, the whole canopy lifted up at the rear for access to the ammo bay, there being a strut or stay to hold the canopy in this position whilst the ammo boxes were fitted behind the cockpit.

Anon.