Rolls Royce Derwent Jet Engine
Purchased and restored in the 1990s an original classic turbo-jet engine the Rolls Royce Derwent. A simple “Whittle style” design that came in to service just at the end of World War Two. Originally fitted to the Gloster Meteor aircraft, later surplus Derwents were used as run-way de-icers. A gas turbine built more like a piston engine with the beautiful deep gloss-black enamel painted casings. A double back-to-back centrifugal compressor gives the Derwent that characteristic siren-like whine sound. A straightforward and easy engine to operate with a small electric starter and simple fuel system. A docile engine (wide surge margin) that idles at only 3500 rpm and don’t expect much thrust from it at this speed. A finely screened air intake will suck nothing more but the smallest insect. A fun engine with almost more in common with a stationary engine.
Derwent MK8 Specification
Power Output.............….……….........…………………………………………………...................3500 Lbs Static Thrust
RPM.........................…....………….........…………………………………………………………………....................14,700 rpm
Compressor..........….…...…...........................Dual Sided Centrifugal Impeller with Radial Inducer Vanes
Combustion Chamber...…..…....................9 thru-flow can type combustion chambers, Duplex Burners
Compressor Turbine....................….…………………………………………………………………………...........1 Stage Axial
Layout..................................................................Single Spool Turbo-Jet with accessory gearbox at front
Starting...............................….…....………………………………………………………...................Rotax Electric Starter
Ignition.............................................…………...........High Tension Torch Igniters with electric feed pump
Fuel System..….Piston Pump with Hydro-mechanical Governor, Barometric (Altitude) Control Unit
Oil System..................................Return System with Pressure and Scavenge pumps, Integral Oil Tank
Oil Spec.......................................….……………………………………………………………..............OX38, Aeroshell 750
Accessories...............Cooling Fan Mounted on centre shaft, External Airframe Mounted A/Gearbox
Weight....….…...............…………………………………………………………………………......................................1300 Lbs
Applications.............................….……………………………...............Gloster Meteor Aircraft, Runway De-icer
