| Exe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | PistonX-24aero-engine |
| National origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | Rolls-Royce Limited |
| First run | September 1936 |
| Major applications | Fairey Battle |
| Developed into | Rolls-Royce Pennine |
TheRolls-Royce Exe, orBoreas,[1] was a 24-cylinder air-cooledX blocksleeve valveaircraft engine intended primarily for the newFaireyFleet Air Arm aircraft, particularly theFairey Barracuda. The Exe was relatively powerful for its era, producing about 1,100 hp (820 kW). This is notable given the relatively small 1,300 cubic inches (22 L) displacement, theMerlin requiring 1,600 cubic inches (27 L) for approximately the same power level. TheX-24 layout made this quite a compact engine.
The Exe was named after theRiver Exe, although Rolls-Royce later transferred the use of river names to itsgas turbine engines.
The Exe was under development in 1939, having been started in the 1930s, along with thePeregrine andVulture. Work on the Exe was suspended in August 1939,[2] and stopped about August 1940.[3]Ernest Hives, head of the Rolls-Royce aero engine division, wanted to stop work on the Exe, Peregrine, and Vulture to concentrate on the Merlin andGriffon engines. An enlarged version, theRolls-Royce Pennine, was built later in the war, but cancelled asjet engines became the company's focus.
Originally intended for theSupermarine Type 322 andFairey Barracuda the Exe was only test flown in aFairey Battle, the first flight taking place on 30 November 1938. This aircraft continued in use for some time as a communications aircraft where the Exe was noted to be quite reliable in service.[4]
Data fromGunston and Lumsden.[5][6]
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