Rolls-Royce Meteorite
Appearance
Rolls-Royce Meteorite | |
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![]() 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) |
Output | |
Power output | Mark 204: 260 bhp @ 2300 rpm |
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. The Meteorite was, in essence, 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
- ^ Evans; McWilliams; Whitworth; Birch (2004). The Rolls Royce Meteor. Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust. pp. 126–140. ISBN 1-872922-24-4.
- ^ Graham Robson (1977). The Rover Story. Cambridge: Patrick Stephens (PSL). p. 51. ISBN 0-85059-279-8.