Pratt & Whitney J57-P-29W Turbojet Engine, Cutaway

Type: Turbojet, 2-spool

Thrust: 53,821 N (12,100 lb) at 8,200 rpm

Compressor: 9-stage low pressure and 7-stage high pressure axial

Combustor: 8 combustion chambers

Turbine: Single-stage high pressure and 2-stage low pressure axial

Weight (dry): 1,945 kg (4,285 lb)

The J57 was the first production aircraft engine to be officially rated in the 44.5 KN (10,000 lb) thrust class. In April 1952, the prototype Boeing B-52 flew for the first time powered by eight J57 turbojet engines. Among military aircraft powered by the J57 were the Boeing B-52 bomber, North American F-100 Super Sabre fighter, McDonnell F-101 Voodoo fighter, Convair F-102 Delta Dagger fighter, Douglas F4D Skyray fighter, Douglas A3D Skywarrior attack bomber, Ling-Temco-Vought F8U Crusader, Lockheed U-2 reconnaissance aircraft, and Northrop SM-62 Snark missile. The JT3 commercial version of the engine powered transport aircraft such as the Boeing 707-120, Boeing 720, and Douglas DC-8-10.

Leonard S. Hobbs, Vice President for Engineering of United Aircraft Corporation, was awarded the 1953 Collier Trophy for his leading part in conceiving and developing the J57. The engine also figured in the 1954 Collier Trophy award as the power plant for the North American F-100 and Douglas F4D.