Kunsan, South Korea 1954. A 77 Squadron RAAF Meteor jet fighter aircraft, No. A77-865, in the ...

Kunsan, South Korea 1954. A 77 Squadron RAAF Meteor jet fighter aircraft, No. A77-865, in the dispersal area of the RAAF base. Note the four rails for carrying an air to ground rockets under the port wing. Meteors were used as quick reaction interceptors in an airfield protection role. They were only half fueled, armed with only half normal 20mm cannon ammunition, and because of their quick rate of climb could intercept intruding North Korean Mig fighters and radio back their numbers and altitude. This information was critical to the more slowly climbing but heavily armed USAF Sabre jet fighters who would then fend of the attackers. Note the cable leading from the 24 volt plug below the cockpit to a starter motor that is partially obscured. An aircraft maintenance mechanic sitting in a director's chair (left) and the pilot is laying full out on a camp stretcher (right) are relaxing and reading. The pilot is wearing a Mae West flotation device.