Rolls-Royce Merlin Mark 73 aero-engine
This Merlin Mark 73 aero-engine was built by Rolls-Royce Derby in June 1944 and was withdrawn from service on 20 October 1948.
The Merlin engine was considered by many to be the most successful aircraft engine of the war. Its outstanding features were its high efficiency and shape, which reduced wind resistance and made it faster.
Merlin engines powered many different aircraft types, including the Spitfire, Hurricane, Lancaster and Mosquito. The propeller shaft was positioned at the front of the engine and the supercharger at the rear. This helped increase the engine's power at altitude.
The average life of a Merlin engine was around twenty-six hours as many were lost during operations.
