Old designs with modern engines

[kerick]

Another similar aged type that's proven incredibly useful is the WB-57, if in very small numbers. What might that get re-engined with if NASA wanted it to carry on indefinitely? At least there should be plenty of TF-33 spares now.

We've already seen pilots flying their father's planes: we might yet see somebody flying their grandfather's B-52. 

Martin Baker also have kept two Meteors running due to them being really well suited as an ejection seat testbed and nothing newer being quite right for the niche role. So what might replace the Derwents if they needed to keep them going?

A pair of Williams FJ-44-4s would work. They're short enough to fit between the fore and aft wing spars, produce exactly the same thrust as a Derwent 8, and are about 30% lighter.

And far more fuel efficient too I'll bet!

[Mossie]

Bet there isn't an original part on the Derwents. It would make an interesting whiff, tiny nacelles on a Meteor.

I remember MB had been looking for a replacement many years ago and found there was nothing fast enough with the intakes placed far enough away (to prevent gas injection) for reasonable purchase and running costs. The only other type that offered a similar spec was the MiG-21.

[Diamondback]

Another similar aged type that's proven incredibly useful is the WB-57, if in very small numbers. What might that get re-engined with if NASA wanted it to carry on indefinitely? At least there should be plenty of TF-33 spares now.

We've already seen pilots flying their father's planes: we might yet see somebody flying their grandfather's B-52. 

Already happened in GWOT, IIRC.

The problem with keeping 'em going will be attrition. without a line to build more at some point we won't be able to maintain operational strength and we're already WAY below our "Two MRC" doctrine so if both our Europe and Pacific treaty obligations go hot at once, one set of allies will have to be shafted for the other.

And if we start building more the Homosexual Pedophile Under The Oniondomes is going to throw a screaming hissyfit despite that wiping their arse with arms control treaties has been The Russian Way since such treaties were first conceived...

[Weaver]

Bet there isn't an original part on the Derwents. It would make an interesting whiff, tiny nacelles on a Meteor.

I remember MB had been looking for a replacement many years ago and found there was nothing fast enough with the intakes placed far enough away (to prevent gas injection) for reasonable purchase and running costs. The only other type that offered a similar spec was the MiG-21.

They'd probably leave the nacelles alone to avoid messing with the aerodynamics: just fit the new engines with new internal ducts.

The other thing to do would be to adopt Me 262 style underwing pods, as in the Metrovick test aircraft. In that case, the length of the new engine wouldn't be so critical, but it's diameter would be, since ground clearance would then be an issue.