De Havilland Spectre Rocket Engine
1954-1958
De Havilland spectre rocket engine with associated component,
- Made:
- Hatfield
De Havilland spectre rocket engine (No. 13008) with associated component, by De Havilland Aircraft Company, Hatfield, England, 1954-1958
The Spectre was developed for the Saunders-Roe SR.53 mixed powerplant interceptor aircraft. It burned kerosene fuel in highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide. It provided a rapid boost for the SR.53 enabling it to climb rapidly and so intercept incoming enemy aircraft. The aircraft primary power plant was a Rolls Royce Viper jet engine. The SR.53 flew successfully but was cancelled before becoming operational when surface-to-air guided missiles replaced the need for a piloted interceptor aircraft.
