Crawford, Alex Flying Flatiron, Gloster Javelin

The "Flying Flat Iron" and the "Harmonious Dragmaster" were just two names given to the Gloster Javelin. Designed from the outset as an all-weather day and night two seat fighter, its aim was to take on the large formations of Russian bombers that everyone thought would herald the start of WWIII. This 15 ton behemoth was the first delta wing aircraft to enter RAF service. It was also the first RAF fighter to be armed with 4 de Havilland Firestreak air to air missiles, and the last aircraft to bear the Gloster name. Constant changes in the specification and design, plus cut backs in the number of prototypes built caused numerous delays. The Javelin entered service in early 1956 and served as a front line fighter for the next 13 years. Flying in Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East, the Javelin defended the dwindling British Empire. It never met the enemy it was designed for. Instead it ended its days flying low over the Borneo and Malaya jungle searching for insurgents, but it soldiered on and performed all the tasks that was asked of it.

Constant changes in specification and design as well as reductions in the number of prototypes built led to numerous delays. The "Javelin" entered service in early 1956 and served on the front line for the next 13 years. The "Javelin" saw action in Europe, the Middle East and the Far East, defending the dwindling British Empire. The "Javalin" never met the enemy for which it was designed. Instead, the aircraft ended its days flying low over the jungles of Borneo and Malaya in search of insurgents, where it fulfilled all the tasks assigned to it.