The J57 was the first production aircraft engine to be officially rated in the 44.5 KN (10,000 lb) thrust class. In April 1952, the prototype Boeing B-52 flew for the first time powered by eight J57 turbojet engines. Among military aircraft powered by the J57 were the Boeing B-52 bomber, North American F-100 Super Sabre fighter, McDonnell F-101 Voodoo fighter, Convair F-102 Delta Dagger fighter, Douglas F4D Skyray fighter, Douglas A3D Skywarrior attack bomber, Ling-Temco-Vought F8U Crusader, Lockheed U-2 reconnaissance aircraft, and Northrop SM-62 Snark missile. The JT3 commercial version of the engine powered transport aircraft such as the Boeing 707-120, Boeing 720, and Douglas DC-8-10.

Leonard S. Hobbs, Vice President for Engineering of United Aircraft Corporation, was awarded the 1953 Collier Trophy for his leading part in conceiving and developing the J57. The engine also figured in the 1954 Collier Trophy award as the power plant for the North American F-100 and Douglas F4D.

 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 Pratt & Whitney
 Physical Description Type: Turbojet, 2 spools Thrust: 55,600 N (12,500 lb) Compressor: 9-stage low pressure, 7-stage high pressure axial Combustor: 8 combustion chambers Turbine: Single-stage high pressure, 2-stage low pressure axial Weight: 1,653 kg (3,644 lb) Dimensions Length 444.5 cm (175 in.), Diameter 101.6 cm (40 in.)
 Materials Steel
Titanium
Aluminum
Copper Alloy
Stainless Steel
Rubber
Anodized Aluminum
Paint
Cadmium Plating
Silver Plating
Magnesium Alloy
Tape
Adhesive
Plastic
 Inventory Number A19830055000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Air Force Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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