Pratt & Whitney J48-P-8C Turbojet Engine

Type: Turbojet

Thrust: 32,248 N (7,250 lb) at 11,000 rpm

Compressor: Single-stage centrifugal

Combustor: 9 combustion chambers

Turbine: Single-stage axial

Weight: 998 kg (2,200 lb)

To enter post-World War II jet engine production, Pratt & Whitney licensed production of the Rolls-Royce Nene engine. Converted to American standards, the resulting J42 Turbo-Wasp was first delivered to the Navy in 1948 for installation in the Grumman F9F-2 Panther.

Realizing the need for a higher-powered engine, Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney Aircraft worked together on a centrifugal-flow turbojet with a 30 percent power increase with no significant increase in overall engine size. Known in England as the Tay and in the U.S. as the J48 Turbo-Wasp, and publicly introduced in 1950, the 27,800 N (6,250 lb) thrust engine was then the most powerful engine flying in either country. Pratt & Whitney added water injection and an afterburner of its own design, which provided substantial power increases for short periods during combat.

The J48-P-8C powered the Grumman F9F-6 Cougar. Other models powered the Grumman F9F-5 Panther, the North American F-93A and Lockheed F-94C Starfire.