Object Details
Manufacturer
General Electric Aircraft Engines
Physical Description
Type: Turbojet
Thrust: 7,161 N (1,610 lb) at 16,500 rpm
Compressor: Single-stage centrifugal
Combustor: 10 reverse-flow chambers
Turbine: Single-stage axial
Weight: 386 kg (850 lb)
Summary
Through a representative in England, General Electric learned of the pioneering jet engine development of Frank Whittle. This resulted in a visit by General H.H. Arnold, Chief of the U.S. Army Air Corps, and manufacture of the Whittle engine by GE. The American engine incorporated a number of mechanical improvements, and two I-A engines first flew in a Bell P-59A in 1942.
GE followed with two designs of increased thrust; first the I-14 (aimed at 6,227 N (1,400 lb.) thrust) and then with the I-16. The J31-GE-3 (I-16-3) was an Air Force engine used in the Bell YP-59. It was the same as the J31-GE-1 except that mounting trunnions were reversed for right-hand mounting. The accessory section was also reversed.
Believing that future tactical needs would require turbojets to use the same fuel as reciprocating engines, the U.S. Navy developed a 100-octane, gasoline-burning version of the standard I-16, which normally ran on kerosene fuel.
Credit Line
Found in the collection
Date
Circa World War II
Inventory Number
A19660041000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet)
Materials
Aluminum
Steel
Paint
Fabric
Adhesive
Anodized Aluminum
Rubber
Plastic
Dimensions
Length 182.9 cm (72 in.), Diameter 105.4 cm (41.5 in.)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19660041000