Early flight tests of the first General Electric turbojet engine, the Type I-A, clearly showed the need for more powerful engines. GE followed with two designs of increased thrust. The second, known as the J31, initially referred to as the I-16, had 7,117 N (1,600 lb) of thrust and first ran in April 1943. GE built about 250 of these versions, mainly for the Bell YP-59 and P-59A and B jet aircraft.

The I-16-5 model was built for the Army Air Forces. It was an improved design derived from the I-16A1 and I-16A3 that incorporated changes to obtain better cooling for the rear bearing for improved performance at high altitude. It also had larger turbine wheel cooling air vanes, a new cooling air manifold assembly, and a flange welded wheel and shaft construction.

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 World War II

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet)

Manufacturer

General Electric Aircraft Engines

Physical Description

Type: Turbojet
Thrust: 7,117 N (1,600 lb) at 16,500 rpm
Compressor: Single-stage centrifugal
Combustor: 10 reverse-flow chambers
Turbine: Single-stage axial
Weight: 401 kg (885 lb)

Dimensions

Length 183 cm (72 in.), Diameter 105 cm (41.5 in.)

Materials

HAZMAT: Cadmium Plating, Magnesium Alloy
Aluminum
Steel
Rubber
Anodized Aluminum
Rubberized Fabric
Paint
Copper Alloy
Fabric
Adhesive
Ceramic

Inventory Number

A19600240000

Credit Line

Transferred from the U.S. Air Force Museum, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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