Merlin Engine

The museum displays a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine.

This British engine was used in many British aircraft during World War II, from fighters to bombers, including the Spitfire, Hurricane, Mosquito, Halifax, and Lancaster.

Early in the war, the North American Aviation designed and built the P-51 Mustang at British request. The early P-51s were outfitted with Allison engines, which were found to be underwhelming. After being equipped with Merlin engines, the P-51 went on to become one of the finest fighters of the war.