The Goblin was Frank Halford’s follow-up to the Whittle W.2, and it simplified the centrifugal layout into a single-sided impeller with a single combustion chamber. It powered the Vampire into squadron service in 1946, giving Britain a jet fighter that could actually be maintained by frontline crews.
Goblin Design Characteristics
The primary subject of this technical guide focuses on the de Havilland Goblin engine, engineered specifically for Centrifugal-Flow Turbojet applications. Below is an essential digest of this powertrain configuration.
• Second British jet engine in service
• 3,100 lbf thrust
• Powered Vampire and Comet 1
• Single-sided centrifugal compressor
Goblin Specification Table
Single-sided centrifugal compressor; 16 combustion chambers in early marks; 3,100 lbf thrust; dry weight approximately 703 kg.
The Goblin’s single-sided impeller was simpler to manufacture than the double-sided Whittle design, and its combustion section used individual chambers that could be inspected and replaced without splitting the engine. The Goblin also powered the first jet airliner—the de Havilland Comet 1—before being replaced by more powerful developments. Its reliability in early service was the foundation of de Havilland’s jet transport ambitions.
| Type | Centrifugal-flow turbojet |
|---|---|
| Compressor | Single-sided centrifugal |
| Combustion Chambers | 16 (early marks) |
| Thrust | 3,100 lbf (13.8 kN) |
| Weight | ~703 kg |
| Fuel | Kerosene |
Aircraft Powered by the Goblin
This engine model is deployed across various operational frameworks. Here is a breakdown of the typical machine or vehicle applications using this unit:
de Havilland Vampire, de Havilland Comet 1 (early), Saab 21R
Pros & Advantages
Simple centrifugal design; maintainable combustion chambers; reliable enough for early airline service.
Cons & Disadvantages
Low thrust by later standards; high fuel consumption; superseded by axial designs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What aircraft first flew with the Goblin?
A1: The de Havilland Vampire was the first aircraft designed around the Goblin, entering service in 1946.
Q2: Did the Goblin power an airliner?
A2: Yes, the Goblin powered the de Havilland Comet 1 prototype before the Ghost and later Avon took over production Comets.
Q3: How many combustion chambers did the Goblin have?
A3: Early Goblin marks used 16 individual combustion chambers; later developments consolidated the layout.
It was simpler to manufacture and more robust than early axial designs, and de Havilland prioritized reliability for frontline service.