Sam Williams believed that gas-turbine technology could be extended down to very small sizes, and his 311 N (70 lb) thrust WR2 turbojet first ran in 1962. Using the same core, the WR19 first ran in 1967, and was the world's smallest turbofan engine at that time. In April 1969, Robert Courter, a Bell test pilot, made the first free flight of the WR19-powered Jet Flying Belt unit strapped on his back. This artifact is the Serial Number 3 WR19 engine.
In the early-1980s, the first Air-Launched Cruise Missiles (ALCM), as well as sea and ground launched equivalents, became operational, all powered by the F107 turbofan, an uprated version of the WR19.
Williams received the 1978 Collier Trophy for the "...design and development of the world's smallest, high efficiency fanjet engine. The ingenious design resulted in a unique, lightweight, low cost and efficient engine which was one of the keys in proving the cruise missile concept."
Gift of Williams Research Corporation, Walled Lake, Michigan
Date: 1969
Country of Origin: United States of America
Dimensions:
Length 61 cm (24.0 in.), Diameter 30.5 cm (12.0 in.)
Physical Description:
Type: Turbofan
Thrust: 1,910 N (430 lb)
Fan: 2-stage axial
Compressor: 2-stage axial low pressure, single-stage centrifugal high pressure
Combustor: Annular
Turbine: Single-stage high pressure, 2-stage low pressure
Weight: 30 kg (67 lb)
