Which Rolls-Royce engine powered the de Havilland Comet?

The Rolls-Royce Avon powered the de Havilland Comet.

The Avon was an axial-flow turbojet developed by Rolls-Royce after the Second World War. It powered later versions of the de Havilland Comet, including the Comet 2 and Comet 3, and was central to the aircraft’s development as Britain’s first jet airliner family.

The Comet 1 used de Havilland Ghost engines, while later versions adopted the more powerful Avon. This distinction is a frequent source of confusion because both engines are closely associated with the Comet story.

The Avon became one of Rolls-Royce’s most successful jet engines and was adapted for many military and civil aircraft. Its applications included the English Electric Canberra, Hawker Hunter, and Caravelle variants. The engine’s long service life reflected the strength of its basic axial-flow design.