Rolls-Royce has reached an important milestone in its Orpheus programme. Over the past three years, the company has completed 100 test events involving 20 different engine configurations. This success shows the programme’s agility and its effective rapid learning approach. It also promises to speed up how new products and technologies are developed for defence propulsion systems, including the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
The Orpheus demonstrator is a joint effort focused on exploring and validating next-generation twin-spool turbofan technology. This work is changing the way propulsion systems are developed, especially for future Autonomous Collaborative Platforms.
The programme brings together teams from different areas and works closely with the UK Ministry of Defence and its supply chain. This cooperation helps cut down the time needed to design, produce, and test new components. Many companies involved in the supply chain are small or medium-sized enterprises. Some are working with the defence sector for the first time, adding fresh ideas and skills.
In just 36 months, the Bristol-based team has carried out a fast and productive test campaign. This effort is accelerating innovation and proving that next-generation technology can be developed more quickly through close teamwork and repeated learning.
