Bristol Siddeley Orpheus 101

Development of the Orpheus was started by the Bristol Engine company in 1953 as a private venture; it first ran at a thrust of 3000 lb in December 1954 and was originally certified at 3285 lb.

Development was funded by NATO as it was selected by all the contenders for the light-fighter competition which was won by the FIAT G.91.

In British service an improved version, originally rated at 4230 lb, was selected as the powerplant for the Folland Gnat and it was built under licence by FIAT in Italy, KHD and Hindustan Aeronautics in India (for their "Marut" fighter)

The example on display is an Orpheus 101 as fitted to the Gnat T Mk.1 and is on loan from 424 (Southampton) Sqn ATC.

Aircraft powered by Orpheus - Folland Gnat Mk.1 and T Mk.1, FIAT G.91, Fuji T.1A, Hunting 126, Lockheed JetStar I, Hindustan HF.24 Marut, Fairchild C-119 Packet (booster), Short S.B.5

The Southampton Hall of Aviation (Solent Sky) relies on visitor attendance and donations to keep the museum open. In this modern day rising costs are making this harder to achieve. Please help us keep the doors open by donating to our charity. Every penny helps, simply use the Paypal link to donate via your credit card, you do not need to have a Paypal account to do this. Thank you.