Object Details
Manufacturer
Rolls-Royce Ltd. (Derby, U.K.)
Physical Description
Type: Turbojet, 2 spools
Thrust: 89,000 N (20,000 lb)
Compressor: 7-stage low pressure, 7-stage high pressure axial
Combustor: Cannular
Turbine: Single-stage high pressure, single-stage low pressure axial
Weight: 1,946 kg (4,290 lb)
Summary
In April 1946, Bristol began studies of a turbojet to power long-range, high altitude bombers at 960 km/hr (600 mph). The B.01 1 Olympus, the first British dual-shaft turbine engine, first ran in May 1950 and flight tests began in August 1952. Certificated in December 1952 at 49 KN (11,000 lb) thrust, the Royal Air Force received its first Mk. 101-powered Vulcan B.1 bomber in July 1956.
Significant uprating was later accomplished with a zero-compressor stage added ahead of the low pressure compressor, entering service in May 1963 as the 89 KN (20,000 lb) thrust Mk. 301.
The year 1966 marked not only the first flight of the Olympus 593 (underneath a Vulcan testbed aircraft), but also acquisition of Bristol Siddeley Engines Ltd. by Roll-Royce. First flight of the Olympus 593B powered Concorde occurred in March 1969. Full certification of the Olympus 593 was achieved in April 1975 at 178 KN (39,940 lb) thrust.
Credit Line
Gift of Jack Keown
Date
Circa 1960s
Inventory Number
A19840636000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet)
Materials
Stainless Steel, Steel, Textile, Aluminum, Rubberm Inconel, Paint
Dimensions
Length 333 cm (131 in.), Diameter 113 cm (44.5 in.)
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19840636000