Rolls-Royce Meteorite

Rolls-Royce Meteorite
Meteоrite-powered Antar Mk2 tractor and DAF trailer with Meteor-powered Centurion tank load
Overview
Manufacturer Rolls-Royce Limited
Layout
Configuration V-8
Displacement 18.01 litres (1,099 cu in)

The Rolls-Royce Meteorite was a British V8 petrol or diesel engine of 18.01 litres (1,099 cu in) capacity, and was derived from the Rolls-Royce Meteor[1], which was itself based on the Rolls-Royce Merlin aircraft engine. In essence it was two-thirds of a V12 Meteor and it shared the Meteor's 60° vee angle. Meteorites were built for vehicles, for marine use and as stationary power units.

It powered the Thornycroft Antar or Mighty Antar tank transporter and was used to transport two types of Meteor-engined tanks, the Centurion and Conqueror (and also carried the later Chieftain). This association with the defence ministry lasted 21 years to 1964 and was centred at the Acocks Green "shadow factory" near Birmingham[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Evans; McWilliams; Whitworth; Birch (2004). The Rolls Royce Meteor. Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust. pp. 126–140. ISBN 1-872922-24-4.
  2. ↑ Graham Robson (1977). The Rover Story. Cambridge: Patrick Stephens (PSL). p. 51. ISBN 0-85059-279-8.
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