| Orion | |
|---|---|
| |
| Bristol Orion on display at the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust, Derby | |
| Type | Turboprop |
| Manufacturer | Bristol Siddeley |
| First run | 1956 |
| Major applications | Bristol Britannia |
The Bristol Orion aero engine is a two-shaft turboprop intended for use in later marks of the Bristol Britannia and the Canadair CL-44. Although the engine was built and underwent a development program, the BE.25 Orion project was cancelled in 1958 by the British Ministry of Supply in favour of the Rolls-Royce Tyne.[1] In addition, interest in turboprop-powered aircraft was beginning to wane, because of the successful introduction of the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8 jetliners into airline service.[2]
The Orion gas generator had been chosen by French aircraft designer Wibault to power a vectored thrust aircraft[3] which ultimately became the Hawker Siddeley P.1127 but with a Bristol Siddeley Orpheus gas generator which had a compressor derived from the Orion low pressure compressor.[1]
- ^ a b Turbojet History And Development 1930-1960 - Volume 1 Great Britain and Germany, Antony L. Kay 2007, The Crowood Press Ltd., ISBN 978 1 86126 912 6, p.149
- ^ Gunston 1989, p.35.
- ^ Pegasus The Heart of the Harrier, Andrew Dow, Pen & Sword Aviation 2009, ISBN 978 1 84884 042 3, p.71/73