After four decades of service, a Rolls-Royce RB211 engine begins a new chapter as a museum exhibit: it has been transferred from Aeroplex’s hangar directly to the latest exhibition of the Hungarian Museum of Science, Technology and Transport.
A new temporary exhibition opening this June will feature a large modern gas turbine engine that was still in active service as recently as last year, powering a Boeing 757 operated by DHL. The engine has since been retired and, with the airline’s consent, donated to the museum by Aeroplex.
The Rolls-Royce RB211 is widely regarded as a milestone in jet propulsion and a symbol of British engineering innovation and reliability. It has powered several iconic aircraft types, primarily long-haul passenger jets. The best-known of these is the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar, for which the engine was originally developed.
Later variants of the RB211 were also used on certain versions of the Boeing 747, as well as on the Boeing 757 and 767 families.
The engine remained in active service until July 2025, when it was withdrawn upon reaching the end of its operating cycle. With DHL’s support, its sister engine has also remained in Budapest and will be used at the Aeroplex Training Center to support the practical education of future aviation professionals.
Demény Árpád, managing director of Aeroplex said, “An engine like this is more than just a piece of machinery – it represents decades of aviation history. We are proud to make this experience tangible for the public. We are also grateful to our partner DHL for their support in making this donation possible.”
This is not the first collaboration between Aeroplex and the museum. Two years ago, the company contributed to the restoration of an Antonov An-2 aircraft, which will also be on display alongside the engine.