The RB.162 was designed to meet an anticipated need for a lift engine to power VTOL aircraft with the emphasis on simplicity, durability and lightweight construction.

Development costs were shared by Britain, France and Germany after signing a joint memorandum of agreement.

[3] Although the RB.162 was a successful design, the expected large VTOL aircraft market did not materialise and the engine was only produced in limited numbers.

[5] In 1966 British European Airways (BEA) had a requirement for an extended range aircraft to serve Mediterranean destinations.

This variant, the Trident 3B, used, in addition to its three Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan engines, a centrally mounted RB.162-86 which was used for takeoff and climb in the hot prevailing conditions of the Mediterranean area.