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]
Maximum flight rating: 2,350 hp (1,750 kW) equivalent at Max Power, 300mph, Sea Level,ISA[8]
Maximum flight rating: 1,500 hp (1,100 kW) equivalent at Max Power, 300mph, 20,000 ft (6,100 m),ISA NOTE:Equivalent Power defined as Propeller Shaft Power plus (Jet Thrust * Flight Velocity/Propeller Efficiency) [8]
