Object Details
Manufacturer
Rolls-Royce Ltd., Bristol Engine Division, Edgware, Middlesex, England
Summary
The Double Spectre is a dual-chambered, variable thrust liquid fuel rocket engine, developed by Britain's De Havilland Engine Company, Ltd. Both chambers used high test hydrogen peroxide (HTP) as the oxidizer and kerosene as the fuel and produced a thrust range of 800-16,000 pounds.
The Double Spectre was developed from late 1957 by De Havilland under contract to Britain's Ministry of Supply. In 1958, the Double Spectre was fitted to the test version of the 200-mile range Blue Steel air-to-surface missile, also known as a "standoff bomb" which was comparable to the U.S.'s Hound Dog missile. By 1961, the Double Spectre was replaced by the higher thrust, longer duration Bristol Siddley Stentor. The missile entered service in 1962 but was gradually withdrawn from service during 1973-1975.
Rolls-Royce Ltd. donated this Double Spectre to the Smithsonian in 1970.
Credit Line
Gift of the Ministry of Aviation, United Kingdom
Date
ca. 1958-1961
Inventory Number
A19700330000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Materials
Overall, steel and other metals.
Dimensions
Overall: 75 in. tall x 58 3/4 in. wide x 84 1/2 in. long, 1962 lb. (190.5 x 149.23 x 214.63cm, 890kg)
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19700330000