The Rolls-Royce Meteor was a tank engine developed from the Rolls-Royce Merlin aero-engine.
For tank use the Merlin had its supercharger removed and was de-rated to approx 600 bhp (447 kW). In addition, because weight-saving was not so important for a tank engine, some of the Merlin's more expensive light-alloy components were replaced with components manufactured in steel.
Unlike previous British tank engines, e.g. Nuffield Liberty as used in the Crusader, the engine was very lightly-stressed and reliable, whilst doubling the power available.
Previously, British tanks had been regarded as somewhat underpowered and unreliable, and the Meteor is considered to be the engine that, for the first time, gave British tanks adequate, reliable power.
The Meteor was used in the Cromwell, Comet, Centurion, Tortoise and Conqueror tanks.
The Meteor I was an all-metal aircraft of conventional construction, with low-mounted straight wings with two spars, turbojets mid-mounted in the the wings, and a high-mounted horizontal tailplane to keep it out of the way of the jet exhaust.
Meteor pilots were keen to test their aircraft against the Messerschmitt Me-262 jet fighter, but at least initially they had orders not to fly beyond enemy lines lest one of their aircraft be shot down and examined.
NF.12 100 NF.11 with new radar, Derwent 9 engines.
The Meteor selection was not a total loss for U.S. industry, Boeing is part of the team providing aircraft integration and manufacturing technology.
The Meteor is considered to be a high-risk project compared to the choice of an upgraded existing missile, but this is due to the high technology of the project, compared to the low risk development of the proven AMRAAM missile.
The Meteor as planned is too large for internal carriage in the F-22 or the F-35 Lightning II although MBDA has planned to adjust the design so that it can fit into the weapons bay of the F-35 which will enter British service.
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