Based on the Rover W2B/26, Derwent design began in April 1943 and completed a 100-hour type test at 8,896 N (2,000 lb) thrust in November of the same year. First flown in April 1944 in a Gloster Meteor aircraft, a Derwent Mark 5-powered Meteor IV set a speed record of 970 km/hr (606 mph) in November 1945, and raised this to 986 km/hr (616 mph) in September 1946,

The Derwent powered Britain's first production jet fighter, the Gloster Meteor, the Fokker S.14 Mach trainer and 1. Ae. 27 Pulqui 1 (Arrow). Over 9,700 Derwent engines were built before production ended in 1954 with the Mark 8.

Refurbished in 1964, this engine was used in a Royal Air Force Gloster Meteor 8 aircraft. It was restored by Rolls-Royce Ltd. prior to its donation to the museum in 1987 in conjunction with a ceremony honoring Sir Frank Whittle on the 50th anniversary of his first turbojet engine.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date Circa early 1950s Country of Origin United Kingdom Type PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet) Manufacturer Rolls-Royce Ltd. (Derby, U.K.)
 Physical Description Type: Turbojet Thrust: 16,013 N (3,600 lb) at 14,700 rpm Compressor: 1-stage double-entry centrifugal-flow Combustor: 9 through-flow can-type chambers Turbine: Single-stage axial Weight: 581 kg (1,280 lb) Dimensions 3-D: 217.2 × 111.8 × 107.9cm, 580.6kg (7 ft. 1 1/2 in. × 3 ft. 8 in. × 3 ft. 6 1/2 in., 1280lb.)
 Materials Aluminum Alloy
Ferros Alloy (Most Likely Steel)
Plastic
Rubber Coating (Possibly)
Coated Textile
Paint
Unidentified Coating
Adhesive Tape
 Inventory Number A19870223000 Credit Line Gift of the Royal Air Force Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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