Object Details
Manufacturer
Aerojet General Corp.
Summary
This is a mockup of an LR63-AJ-1 liquid fuel rocket motor developed by the Aerojet Engineering Co. as a "Superperformance engine," or built-in JATO (Jet-Assisted-Take-Off), to boost the performance of a U.S. Air Force F-86 jet fighter. It produced 3,500-5,000 pounds of thrust.
During the Korean War, there was an urgent requirement for a Superperformance engine for the F-86 to counter the superior performance of Soviet MiG jets. The LR63 was already being developed experimentally for the F-84 fighter-bomber. It was subsequently modified for use on the F-86. Flight tests on an F-86 were made in 1956 but the war had ended and the YLR63 did not become operational. The motor was donated to the Smithsonian by the Aerojet General Corp. in 1968.
Credit Line
Aerojet General Corp.
Date
ca. 1950-1956
Inventory Number
A19680545000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Materials
Steel
Non-Magnetic White Metal Alloy
Anodized Aluminum
Plastic
Paper
Adhesive
Ink
Dimensions
Overall (Approximate): 101 1/2 × 10 in., 10cm (257.8 × 25.4cm, 3 15/16 in.)
Storage: 64.8 × 280.7 × 94cm, 234.1kg (25 1/2 × 110 1/2 × 37 in., 516lb.)
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_A19680545000