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F Mark I The Mark I first flew (TG274) on 20 April 1945 with a square cut tail fin after modifications to the prototype to establish the best fin and rudder configuration. The first aircraft went to 247 Sqn from March 1946 and as production progressed improvements were introduced on the line. From the 40th aircraft the Goblin 2 of 3,100lb thrust was introduced together with auxiliary underwing fuel tanks and from the 51st machine the type had a pressurized cockpit and bubble canopy.
Service Fighter 3, 20, 54, 72, 130, 247, 501, 600, 605, 608, 613 Anti-aircraft co-operation 595, 631 Training 1689 Flt; 202, 203, 208 AFS; CFS; 19 FTS; 102, 103 FRS; 226 OCU; RAFC Communications FCCS; 12 GCF; Acklington APS Other AFDS; CFE; ETPS; NGTE; WEE
F Mark 3 The short range of the early aircraft was addressed in the Mark 3 which was built to specification F.3/47 and carried more fuel in wing tanks resulting in extended range (730 to 1,145 miles). The tanks caused stability problems which were cured by lowering the tailplane, extending its chord and changing the shape of the fin and rudder. The prototype was TG275 which flew on 4 November 1945 and the type joined 54 Sqn in April 1948.
Service Fighter 5, 20, 32, 54, 72, 73, 247, 502, 601, 604, 605, 608, 614 Training CFS Communications 25, 602, 603; Chivenor, Odiham, Thorney Island SFs; Other AMSDU; 1, 4, 5 CAACU; CFE; 1 OFU; TEU Khartoum; TFU