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You are here: HomenextDowty GroupnextRotol Airscrews

Rotol Airscrews

The company was formed on 13th May 1937 by Rolls-Royce and Bristol Aeroplane Co to take over both companies's propeller developments, the market being too small for more than one company in this space.

The name was a contraction of "ROlls-Royce" and "BrisTOL". Rotol props were considered leading edge - their models equipping the Hawker Hurricane, Supermarine Spitfire, and many other Second World War aircraft.

They started in temporary premises in Llanthony Road, Gloucester but transferred to the new factory at Staverton at the end of 1937

  • Dowty Propellers

    Dowty Propellers

    The business originated in 1937 as Rotol Airscrews Ltd., and was formed by Rolls-Royce and Bristol Aircraft to take over ...
  • Dowty Rotol - Synopsis

    Dowty Rotol - Synopsis

    Rotol Airscrews was formed on 13th May 1937 by Rolls-Royce and Bristol Aeroplane Co. Rotol Airscrews took over both companies’ propeller ...
  • Rotol Airscrews

    Rotol Airscrews

    An article about Rotol Airscrews written by The Aeroplane Magazine – 10 Nov 1937
  • Rotol Airscrews - Publications

    Rotol Airscrews - Publications

    Copies of the sales and information publications published and issued by Rotol Airscrews Ltd
  • Rotol Airscrews Blade Shop

    Rotol Airscrews Blade Shop

    Early photographs of the Propeller Blade Shop at Rotol Airscrews c 1940
  • Rotol Equipment

    Rotol Equipment

    Dowty Rotol – Rotol Equipment
  • The "Airscrew"

    The "Airscrew"

    The “Airscrew” – 1941 Wartime publication from Rotol Airscrews Ltd
  • Wartime Shadow Factories

    Wartime Shadow Factories

    Shadow Factories were the outcome of the Shadow Scheme, a plan devised in 1935 and developed by the British Government ...
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