Javelin from the Cockpit: Britain's First Delta Wing Fighter

An in-depth history of this RAF twin-engined interceptor, including firsthand accounts from those who flew it.

The Gloster Javelin was designed to be a night/all-weather fighter. First introduced into RAF service in 1956 and retired in 1967, it was a large two-man, twin-engined and delta-winged aircraft. Although the Javelin was extremely rugged in construction, pilots were banned from spinning as test flights had proved it impossible to recover.

During its service, nine different mark...