Continental YJ69-T-7 Turbojet Engine, Incomplete

Type: Turbojet

Thrust: 4,114 N (925 lb)

Compressor: Single-stage centrifugal

Combustor: Single annular chamber

Turbine: Single-stage axial

Weight: 165 kg (364 lb)

Continental negotiated a licensing agreement with French engine company Turbomeca in 1951 for the technical rights and U.S. production and marketing of a family of eight small gas turbine engines. With the J69 military designation, Continental significantly improved the design and upgraded the performance of the original Marbore II. In 1952, following intense Continental marketing, Cessna selected the J69 for its candidate in the U.S. Air Force T-37 jet trainer competition, and for some versions of the Ryan Firebee Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV). From 1954 through 1995, more than 6,900 J69s were produced for target and reconnaissance versions of the Firebee. And from 1955 through 1976, Continental manufactured more than 3,000 for the Cessna T-37.

This engine, a model YJ69-T-7 Marbore II, was an early flight test engine for the Air Force Firebee RPV. It is not believed to be a production J69 engine.