Through a representative in England, General Electric learned of the pioneering jet engine development of Frank Whittle. This resulted in a visit by General H.H. Arnold, Chief of the U.S. Army Air Corps, and manufacture of the Whittle engine by GE. The American engine incorporated a number of mechanical improvements, and two I-A engines first flew in a Bell P-59A in 1942.

GE followed with two designs of increased thrust; first the I-14 (aimed at 6,227 N (1,400 lb.) thrust) and then with the I-16. The J31-GE-3 (I-16-3) was an Air Force engine used in the Bell YP-59. It was the same as the J31-GE-1 except that mounting trunnions were reversed for right-hand mounting. The accessory section was also reversed.

Believing that future tactical needs would require turbojets to use the same fuel as reciprocating engines, the U.S. Navy developed a 100-octane, gasoline-burning version of the standard I-16, which normally ran on kerosene fuel.

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: 7,161 N (1,610 lb) at 16,500 rpm
Compressor: Single-stage centrifugal
Combustor: 10 reverse-flow chambers
Turbine: Single-stage axial
Weight: 386 kg (850 lb)

Dimensions

Length 182.9 cm (72 in.), Diameter 105.4 cm (41.5 in.)

Materials

Aluminum
Steel
Paint
Fabric
Adhesive
Anodized Aluminum
Rubber
Plastic

Inventory Number

A19660041000

Credit Line

Found in the collection

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

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