Rolls-Royce Avon

Rolls-Royce Avon. Newer version with tubular ring combustion chamber

The Rolls-Royce Avon is the first jet engine from Rolls-Royce with axial compressor and was produced from 1950 to 1974 more than 11,000 times. The engine continues to be produced as a power generation unit.

history

Cutaway model of an early Avon in the Malta Aviation Museum. The individual cylindrical combustion chambers are clearly visible.

After the Welland , Derwent and Nene jet engines with radial compressors , Rolls-Royce developed the fourth type from 1945, initially under the name AJ.65 (Axial Jet, 6500  lb thrust). This version developed a thrust of 29 kN. After the completion of the first prototype in 1947, serial production of the RA.3 / Mk.101 version with individual combustion chambers began in 1950. Svenska Flygmotor licensed its own variants for the Saab 32 Lansen (RA.3 / Mk.109 as RM5) and Saab 35 Draken (improved RA.29 as RM6). A more powerful version RA.7 / Mk.114 was built for the de Havilland Comet. With a tubular ring combustion chamber , other types followed with even higher performance: RA.14 / Mk.201 (42 kN), RA.26 (44 kN), RA.28 / Mk.207 (45 kN). The RA.29 Mk.301 / 2 (RB.146) version for the English Electric Lightning achieved the highest thrust, delivering 56.5 kN, with an additional afterburner even almost 73 kN.

Rolls-Royce Avon are also used under the designation RT48 / RT56 as a stationary drive, for example on oil rigs.

The following civil and military aircraft were equipped with the Avon:

• DH´.106 "Comet" Mk.II (RA.7 / Mk.114)
• English Electric Canberra (RA.3 / Mk.101)
• English Electric Lightning (RA.29 Mk.301 / 2)
• Fairey Delta
• Hawker Hunter
• CAC F-86 Saber
• Sud Aviation Caravelle (RA.26)
• Vickers 667 Valiant (RA.14 / Mk.201)

Technical specifications

Avon RA.21:

• Length: 2600 mm
• Diameter: 1070 mm
• Thrust: 35.6 kN
• Compressor: 12-stage axial (15-stage from the 200 series, even 16-stage from the 300 series)
• Turbine: 2-stage axial (1 or 2-stage in 100 series, 2-stage in 200 series, partially 3-stage in 300 series)

source

• Information board in the Malta Aviation Museum

Web links

Commons : Rolls-Royce Avon  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• JetEngineNet: Military Turbojet / Turbofan Specifications
• KensAviation: Avon

Individual evidence

1. ↑ http://www.energy.siemens.com/br/en/fossil-power-generation/gas-turbines/industrial-avon-200.htm