Rolls-Royce RB.145

Summary

The Rolls-Royce RB.145 was a British jet engine designed in the early-1960s by Rolls-Royce for use as a lightweight VTOL lift and cruise engine. Developed from the Rolls-Royce RB108 the RB.145 featured more accessories and a higher thrust rating. Six engines developed by MAN Turbo were fitted to the first prototype of the EWR VJ 101 experimental German fighter aircraft, achieving supersonic flight by July 1964.

RB.145
Rolls-Royce RB.145 turbojet engine on display at the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust, Derby
Type Turbojet
National origin United Kingdom
Manufacturer Rolls-Royce Limited
First run April 1961
Major applications EWR VJ 101
Developed from Rolls-Royce RB108

Reheated versions of the RB.145 with a thrust of 3,650 lb (16.2 kN) were fitted to the second EWR VJ 101 with the intention of reaching Mach 1.4.[1]

Variants edit

RB.145
Standard un-reheated turbojet
RB.145R
the RB.145 with reheat.

Applications edit

Specifications (RB.145R) edit

 
the translating engine nacelles of the VJ 101, fitted with two RB145s each.

Data from Aircraft engines of the World 1964/65.[2]

General characteristics

  • Type: Single spool turbojet
  • Length: 103.5 in (263 cm)
  • Diameter: 15.5 in (39 cm) (intake diameter)
  • Dry weight: 600 lb (270 kg)

Components

  • Compressor: Nine-stage axial-flow
  • Combustors: Annular with duplex burners
  • Turbine: 2-stage axial turbine
  • Fuel type: JP-1 or JP-4
  • Oil system: Return system at 35 psi (2.4 bar)

Performance

Take-off, wet: 16.2 kN (3,650 lbf)
Take-off, dry: 12.2 kN (2,750 lbf)
Wet:2.2 lb/lbf/h (220 kg/kN/h)
Dry:1 lb/lbf/h (100 kg/kN/h)

See also edit

Related development

Related lists

References edit

  1. ^ Flight International, 7 January 1965 www.flightglobal.com Retrieved: 31 December 2009
  2. ^ Wilkinson, Paul H. (1964). Aircraft engines of the World 1964/65 (21st ed.). London: Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons Ltd. p. 139.

Further reading edit

  • Gunston, Bill (1989). World Encyclopaedia of Aero Engines (2nd ed.). Cambridge, England: Patrick Stephens Limited. ISBN 978-1-85260-163-8.

External links edit

  • EADS - Image of EWR VJ 101 undergoing tethered reheat test