“What stories could this metal bird tell if it could speak?” Observe the Gloster Meteor C-025. It stands here as a proud monument in Córdoba at the Escuela Militar de Aviación. This aircraft is more than just metal and rivets. It is a piece of Argentine aviation history.
The Gloster Meteor C-025 arrived as a used aircraft from England. It was given the registration C-025. Before that, it carried the RAF marking EE-532. Its Alta joined the Argentine Air Force on October 2, 1948.
However, its service was not without incident. The Gloster Meteor C-025 had two significant accidents. The first happened on July 17, 1957. It sustained partial damage. The second incident occurred on October 9, 1962. Although the damage was again partial, it led to the aircraft’s decommissioning.
The Fuerza Aérea Argentina acquired 100 Meteor MK IV aircraft. This purchase occurred during General Juan Domingo Perón’s government. It was made possible by England’s substantial debt. This debt resulted from the Second World War.
Did you know that 32 of these Gloster Meteors saw action? They participated in the incidents of June 16, 1955. This included the bombing of Plaza de Mayo. They flew on both sides of the conflict.
During the defense of Buenos Aires, aerial combat broke out. A squadron of loyalist Meteor interceptors engaged rebel AT-6 Texan aircraft. The rebel Texan fell to the guns of Adradas. This marked the first Argentine Air Force kill by a jet. It was also the first jet-on-jet kill in the Americas.
Originally, Gloster Meteor C-025 sported a silver scheme with the registration I-025. This was back in 1964 at BAM Morón. In 1988, it was moved to its current location. It now wears its final tactical scheme.
Many other Gloster Meteors met different fates. Some became instructional airframes. Others were displayed in museums or city squares. Some even received colorful makeovers.
Gloster Meteor C-025 is a reminder of Argentina’s aviation past. Its history includes accidents and a long service. It stands here as a testament to the men and women. They designed, flew, and maintained these machines.
So next time you pass by, take a moment. Remember the story of the Gloster Meteor C-025.