The Pegasus turbofan engine was developed under the NATO Mutual Weapons Development Program. The engine ran for the first time in 1959, and flight trials in the Hawker Siddeley P.1127 Kestrel prototypes began in October 1960. The P.1127 became the BAe Harrier, the first operational fixed-wing vertical/short take-off and landing (V/STOL) fighter aircraft. The Pegasus first entered operational service with the Royal Air Force in 1969.

Originally designed by Bristol Siddeley and later manufactured by Rolls-Royce plc, the vectored-thrust engine uses movable nozzles to direct the fan and turbine thrust, giving the aircraft V/STOL capability. In service for the U.S. Marine Corps, the engine is given the designation F402.

The unique Pegasus engine powers all versions of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier multi-role military aircraft. Rolls-Royce licensed Pratt & Whitney to build the Pegasus for US built versions. However Pratt & Whitney never completed any engines, with all new build being manufactured by Rolls-Royce in Bristol, England.

 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 1960s Country of Origin United Kingdom Type PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet) Manufacturer Bristol-Siddeley (England)
 Physical Description Type: Turbofan, vectored thrust VTOL engine, 4 swivel exhausts Thrust: 68,944 N (15,500 lb) at take-off Compressor: 2-stage front fan, bypass; 7-stage axial Combustor: Cannular Turbine: 3-stage axial Weight: 975 kg (2150 lb) Dimensions Other: 48 x 98 13/16in. (121.9 x 251cm)
Approximate (Weight on stand): 2399.5kg (5290lb.)
 Materials Steel
Paint
 Inventory Number A19720632001 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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