Orpheus programme hits major milestone

Rolls-Royce recently achieved a major milestone in its Orpheus programme, successfully completing 100 test events across 20 different engine configurations in three years. The achievement highlights the agility of the programme and the strength of its rapid learning model — delivering advanced capability at pace, which will change how products and technologies are developed for defence propulsion system programmes including the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

Work on the Orpheus demonstrator is a collaborative effort to explore and validate next-generation twin-spool turbofan technology, transforming the approach to new propulsion system development, particularly for future Autonomous Collaborative Platforms.

By bringing together cross-functional teams and working in partnership with the UK MoD and supply chain, the Orpheus programme is helping to radically reduce the time it takes to design, produce and test new components. The majority of the current Orpheus supply chain are small- or medium-size enterprises with some engaging with the defence sector for the first time, bringing fresh thinking and capabilities.

In just 36 months, the team in Bristol has designed and executed a fast-paced, high-output test campaign that is accelerating innovation and demonstrating how next-generation technology can be matured faster through close collaboration and iterative learning.