The Gnome Engine Test Laboratory is operated by S & C Thermofluids on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), an agency of the Ministry of Defence.

The laboratory offers a low cost propulsion research capability.

The Gnome engines used in the laboratory were manufactured by Rolls-Royce. The Gnome is a turboshaft propulsion unit. Three main variants of the engine have been produced - 1000, 1200 and 1400. The 1400 variant is used to power the Sea King helicopter.