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In the mid-1940s, Boeing engineers conducted research to become familiar with gas turbines, but it became apparent that the research engines were significant in themselves. First engine run was the 667 N (150 lb) thrust Model 500 turbojet, closely followed by the 119 kw (160 shp) Model 502 turboprop. Because no applications materialized for the turbojet, efforts were focused on the Model 502, initially developed as a turboprop and later as the more widely used turboshaft engine, first delivered in 1949.

In late-1951, a Model 502 powered Kaman K-225 helicopter became the world's first gas turbine-powered helicopter, and, in late-1952, a Model 502 powered Cessna XL-19B Bird Dog became the world's first turboprop-powered light aircraft.

By the mid-1960s, significant power and reliability improvements produced the Model 502-10VC, the first U.S. turbine engine in the 149 to 224 kw (200 to 300 shp) range to receive an approved 150-hour qualification. This artifact powered the Gyrodyne QH-50C (DSN-3) drone helicopter.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date Circa 1950s Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet) Manufacturer Boeing
 Physical Description Type: Turboshaft Power Rating: 224 kW (300 hp) at 28,380 rpm Compressor: Single-stage centrifugal Combustor: 2 combustion chambers Turbine: Single-stage axial Weight: 152 kg (334 lb) Dimensions Length 101.6 cm (40.0 in.), Diameter 61.0 cm (24.0 in.)
 Materials Aluminum, Steel, Paint, Rubber, Copper, Stainless Steel, Titanium
 Inventory Number A19740506000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Navy, Naval Supply Center, Norfolk, Virginia Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Open Access (CCO)
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