usertron2020
Donor
Who am I to argue with the RAF and USAAF post war analysis? But yes I would agree as most of the Me262s were too broken to get off the ground or even taxi, I would agree with your point in that regard. Although the early P80 had a problem with killing test pilots, including Richard Bong and had its own engine reliability problems.
The Meteor was undoubtedly the best Allied jet aircraft. The USAAF probably should have just bought them in some numbers. Might have helped the British balance of payments issues some too.
Sadly, test pilots have a tendency to get killed. Part of the nature of the most dangerous job in the business of flying. Sometimes you get lucky, and you're flight testing a Hurricane or an F6F. Sometimes you're not, and you're stuck at the stick of a P-80 or B-26. At least in the run up to WWII the RAF had more time with flight testing.
Wasn't there also the issue of not wanting to allow the Meteor to fly over German controlled territory lest they be shot down (by ground fire at least; the 88mm AA gun was accurate up to 25,000 feet!) and the aircraft remains be captured? Isn't it true that they were primarily employed to destroy V-1s? As to reverse L-Ling the Meteor, by the time that could be pulled off WWII in Europe would be over. Plus, the RAF needed ever Meteor it had for their own use. I can just imagine the reaction in the RAF (and the Imperial Chiefs-of-Staff) if a Meteor squadron is seen being handed over to Carl Spaatz's use while buzz bombs are still raining over London!