The “Nene” was based upon, but a significant improvement over, Frank Whittle’s pioneering turbojet. It was first run in late 1944 and soon showed a x 2.5 improvement in thrust over the “Derwent” and slightly less diameter.

Thrust of the “Nene 1” was 5,000 lb.s.t., and it was (briefly) the most powerful engine in the world.

The British used relatively few “Nenes”. It was more popular abroad, including the Soviet Union, where a variant powered the MIG-15, and in China. The most significant Canadian application was the Canadair licenced version of the Lockheed T-33. In addition to our display “Nene 1” we have another installed within our T-33.