Over a Century of Pioneering Spirit

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Over a Century of Pioneering Spirit

A strong heritage

We congratulate the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as it celebrates 101 years of inspiring heritage and tradition, which has seen the RAAF provide its distinctive and professional service to Australia and her allies.

We were with you then

1921
Rolls-Royce is extremely proud to have continuously served the Royal Australian Air Force since it first took to the skies 101 years ago, in the Fairy IIID, powered by our Eagle VIII engine. It was the development of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine in WWII that heralded some of the most famous chapters in the story of Rolls-Royce and the Royal Australian Air Force. It powered one of the most iconic aircraft ever to fly in RAAF colours, the Spitfire.

1944
Rolls-Royce’s first jet engine, pioneered by Sir Frank Whittle, entered service in the Gloster Meteor fighter; an aircraft which went on to serve the RAAF with distinction until 1963.

Jet-power enabled the RAAF to continue to push back the boundaries of flight and the partnership with Rolls-Royce continued to flourish as the Canberra tactical bomber, powered by the Avon engine, went on to serve the RAAF into the early 1980s.

Today with the RAAF’s Hercules, Spartan, Hawk and MQ-4C Triton aircraft our relationship has stood strong through time.

We are ready for tomorrow

Rolls-Royce recognises the RAAF’s pioneering spirit. We remain committed to supporting your tomorrow as we prepare to transform the future for our defence customers through our latest developments in sustainable fuels, digital first, hypersonics, hybrid electric and fully electric power systems.