Bristol/Rolls Royce Orpheus 701

The prototype of turbo jet engine, developed by the Bristol industry, under initial type designation BE.26, the first time run on the test bench on 17th December 1954, developing static thrust of 336 daN (1362 kp). One of it’s characteristics was that axial compressor was connected to turbine by a hollow shaft, avoiding the bed in the middle. Starting up of engine was done by an ignition cartridge, or by the compressed air starting a small turbine in the forward part of compressor casing, which was connected with shaft by a stretchable claw.

The Bristol changed the named in 1959 into the Bristol Siddeley, and in 1966 the (Rolls Royce), became the owner of the factory. Engines of this type were produced under license in Italy (FIAT) and India (Hindustan Aeronautics). Orpheus characterized itself by simplicity and easy maintenance.

This engine first time reached Yugoslav aviation in 1958, when the YAF purchased in Great Britain two planes Folland Gnat, in experimental purpose. Though it was planned to manufacture in the country under license this engine variant and another, stronger, it was not realized, because soon were accessible cheaper Rolls-Royce Mk-22-6 Viper engines.

After removal from an inventory, the engine was transformed into an instructing means, and therefore adjusted for that purpose, posted on a metal stand, and partly cut to show intersection. In that shape the preserved Bristol Siddeley Orpheus engine reached the Air Museum, where is on display.