| Theseus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Preserved Bristol Theseus | |
| Type | Turboprop |
| Manufacturer | Bristol Siddeley |
| First run | 18 July 1945 |
| Major applications | Handley Page Hermes |
The Theseus was the Bristol Aeroplane Company's first attempt at a gas-turbine engine design. A turboprop delivering just over 2,000 hp (1,500 kW) was chosen rather than compete with companies that were already developing turbojets. A heat exchanger to transfer waste heat from the exhaust to the compressor exit was necessary to meet a requirement for a fuel consumption comparable to a piston engine. However, the heat exchanger was abandoned after tests showed that it had a high pressure loss and only produced a fuel saving of 8%. Furthermore overall performance was reduced [1] [2]
As well as being one of the first engines to feature a free propeller turbine, the Theseus was the first turboprop in the world to pass a type test in January 1947.[3] Following 156 hours of ground runs and the receipt of a test certificate from the Ministry of Supply on 28 January 1947, two Theseus engines were fitted in the outer positions of a four-engined Avro Lincoln for air tests.[4] After ground and taxying test the Lincoln first flew on 17 February 1947.[4]
The engine was also installed in two Handley Page Hermes 5 development aircraft.[5]
It was soon superseded by the Proteus design with more power.
East Midlands Aeropark Castle Donington.
Data from Aircraft Engines of the world 1946[7]
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| Bristol Aeroplane Company Piston engines (1920-1956) |
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| Bristol Siddeley gas turbine and rocket engines (1959-1966) |
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| Designers |
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