Rolls-Royce is a British engineering company whose aerospace activities include the development, manufacture and support of aircraft engines. Its aviation history extends from piston engines to turboprops, turbofans and helicopter engines. The aerospace business is distinct from the Rolls-Royce motor-car business, although both share an early history and name.[1]Our HistoryRolls-Royce · rolls-royce.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]Rolls-Royce heritage: from 1904 to todayRolls-Royce Motor Cars · press.rolls-roycemotorcars.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[3]Civil AerospaceRolls-Royce · rolls-royce.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Piston-engine heritage
The original Rolls-Royce company was formed in 1906 following the development of its early cars. During the First World War it entered aircraft propulsion with the Eagle engine. The later Merlin, a liquid-cooled V12 piston engine, powered aircraft including the Hurricane and Spitfire during the Second World War. Wartime demand greatly expanded the company's aero-engine activity and made aircraft propulsion a central part of its industrial identity.[1]Our HistoryRolls-Royce · rolls-royce.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Transition to gas turbines
Rolls-Royce began gas-turbine development during the Second World War and subsequently supplied the Dart turboprop for the Vickers Viscount. Its later RB211 wide-body turbofan programme created severe financial difficulties, leading to state ownership in 1971 so development could continue. This episode is a major division in the company's corporate history, rather than simply a change of engine model. The motor-car and aerospace activities subsequently followed separate corporate paths.[1]Our HistoryRolls-Royce · rolls-royce.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]Rolls-Royce heritage: from 1904 to todayRolls-Royce Motor Cars · press.rolls-roycemotorcars.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Civil aerospace products
The civil engine catalogue includes the Trent family of wide-body engines and earlier RB211 variants, together with engines for regional aircraft, business jets and helicopters. Business-aviation products include the BR700 and Pearl lines, while helicopter products include the M250 and RR300. Rolls-Royce also offers engine-management services covering activities from line maintenance to shop visits. The business consequently remains involved in engines after they have been delivered and installed on customers' aircraft.[3]Civil AerospaceRolls-Royce · rolls-royce.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Military propulsion
The company's military-engine heritage includes the T56, while the AE family serves several aircraft roles. The AE 2100D3 was selected for the Lockheed Martin C-130J transport, and related AE engine work extends across different propulsion applications. This is engine manufacturing rather than complete-aircraft manufacture: the airframe and powerplant can carry different company names. Aircraft histories should therefore identify both the aircraft builder and the appropriate engine version, especially where successive variants use different powerplants.[4]The AE engine storyRolls-Royce · rolls-royce.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details