Object Details
Manufacturer
General Electric Aircraft Engines
Physical Description
Type: Turboprop
Power Rating: 14,914 kw (20,000 eshp) at 1,300 rpm
Compressor: 7-stage axial
Combustor: Annular
Turbine: Single-stage high pressure, single-stage low pressure
Summary
General Electric designed this proof-of-concept turboprop “unducted fan” engine as part of NASA’s Advanced Turboprop Project, which was aimed at overcoming the three-fold increase in fuel prices resulting from the 1973 Middle East oil embargo. GE modified a standard F404 engine with advanced “propfan” blades in a unique gearless counter-rotation configuration, which reduced fuel consumption at flight speeds by 32 percent.
NASA successfully flight tested the engine in 1986–87 on modified Boeing 727s and McDonnell Douglas MD-80s. The engine earned the NASA and industry team the prestigious Collier Trophy for 1987. While the engine met its efficiency and overall performance goals, fuel prices fell when the embargo ended, and further development costs could not be justified.
Credit Line
Gift of General Electric Aircraft Engines and transfer from the Naval Air Systems Command
Date
Circa 1986
Inventory Number
A19920001000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet)
Dimensions
Diameter 357 cm (140 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_A19920001000