| Centaurus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Bristol Centaurus engine cutaway | |
| Type | Piston aircraft engine |
| Manufacturer | Bristol Aeroplane Company |
| First run | July 1938 |
| Major applications | Hawker Tempest Bristol Brabazon Vickers Warwick Hawker Sea Fury Airspeed Ambassador |
| Number built | c. 2,500 |
The Centaurus was the final development of the Bristol Engine Company's series of sleeve valve radial aircraft engines. The Centaurus is an 18-cylinder, two-row design that eventually delivered over 3,000 hp (2,200 kW). The engine was introduced into service late in the Second World War and was one of the most powerful aircraft piston engines to see service.