The British De Havilland H-1 Goblin design began in 1941, and first flew in 1943 in the Gloster Meteor and De Havilland Vampire aircraft. Originally rated at 8,896 N (2,000 lb.) thrust, the Goblin II grew to 13,344 N (3,000 lb.) thrust, and powered the De Havilland Vampire and 108 Swallow.

A British delegation visited U.S. manufacturers in early-1943, revealing important H-1 details and discussing the possibility of building the engine in the U.S. But engines were first imported for the Navy's Curtiss XF15C, and as an alternate for the GE I-40 in the Army Lockheed P-80. The Army used an H-1 engine as the power plant in the prototype XP-80, but replaced it with the more powerful, 17,792 N (4,000 lb.) thrust GE I-40 (J33). Subsequently the Navy contracted with Allis-Chalmers for construction of 40 H-1 engines, known as the J36. However, when delivery was too slow, the contract was canceled after production of seven engines.