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This is the first foreign-made engine chosen as the basic power plant for a major U.S.-built airliner, the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar, receiving its certification from the Federal Aviation Administration in 1973 for use on that three engine aircraft. In addition, it powered some models of the Boeing 747 transport.

The RB211 differed from other engines in its class in having three instead of two shafts. Each shaft has a compressor on its forward end and a turbine on its aft end. This design permitted each compressor to run nearer its optimum speed and efficiency and reduced the number of blades and other parts required in the engine. The static thrust varied from 160 KN (36,000 pounds) to 245 KN (55,000 pounds).

This RB211-22 engine powered the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar. It has been cutaway to show the relationship of the internal parts.

 Display Status

This object is on display in America by Air at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

America by Air
Object Details
Date 1973 Country of Origin United Kingdom Type PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet) Designer Dr. S. G. Hooker
 Manufacturer Rolls-Royce Ltd. (Derby, U.K.)
 Physical Description Type: Turbofan, 3-shaft Thrust : 187,000 N (42,000 lb) Compressor: Single-stage fan, 7-stage intermediate pressure, 6-stage high pressure Combustor: Annular chamber Turbine: Single-stage axial high pressure, single-stage intermediate pressure, 3-stage low pressure Weight: 3,267 kg (7,203 lb) Dimensions 3-D: 303.3 × 217.2cm, 4170.8kg (119 7/16 × 85 1/2 in., 9194 15/16lb.)
Support: 285.8 × 156.2 × 243.8cm (112 1/2 in. × 61 1/2 in. × 96 in.)
 Materials Metal
 Inventory Number A19820072000 Credit Line Gift of Rolls-Royce LtdNational Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Open Access (CCO)
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