Object Details
Manufacturer
Heinkel-Hirth (Hirth-Motorenwerke), Stuttgart, Germany
Physical Description
Type: Thermal compression gas turbine engine, Brayton constant pressure cycle
Power: 104 kW (140 bhp) at 18,000 rpm (design); 12 kW (16 bhp) at 8,000 rpm (actual test output)
Weight: 174 kg (383 lb)
Summary
This Heinkel-Hirth RR2 experimental gas turbine engine was built in 1944 by Hirth Motoren, a subsidiary of Ernst Heinkel Aktiengesellschaft. It was designed to operate on a combined mechanical-thermal compression cycle. The main engine components consisted of a combustion chamber, diffuser section, scavenge blower, mixing wheel, and working turbine. The engine operated on a Brayton constant pressure cycle, differing essentially from conventional gas turbine engines by the method used to develop compression. It was designed to produce 104 kW (140 bhp), but the actual output was only 12 kW (16 bhp).
Credit Line
Transferred from the U.S. Department of the Navy, Bureau of Aeronautics, Washington, D.C.
Date
Circa 1944
Inventory Number
A19550018000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet)
Materials
Ferrous Alloy
Non-Magnetic Metal
Paint
Adhesive Tape
Dimensions
Length 76.2 cm (30.0 in.), Width 48.3 cm (19.0 in.), Height 119.4 cm (47.0 in.)
Country of Origin
Germany
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19550018000