In response to an Army Air Corps request on February 25, 1941, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics established a Special Committee on Jet Propulsion. Westinghouse's proposal for development of a turbojet was followed on November 5, 1941 by a Navy request for a proposal for a design study. On December 8, 1941, the day after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Westinghouse seized the initiative and started development of its engine without an official contract. On January 7, 1942, the Navy issued Westinghouse a letter of intent to proceed with a study of its turbojet, and development of the 19A began at the Westinghouse Steam Division.

The 19A Yankee (military designation J30), the first all-American-designed turbojet engine, ran for the first time on March 19, 1943. This, the Navy Bureau of Aeronautics No. 2 Westinghouse 19A engine, was flown on a Chance Vought FG-1 Corsair test-bed aircraft on January 21, 1944 in its original function as a booster engine.

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 1943 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet) Manufacturer Aviation Gas Turbine Div., Westinghouse Electric Corp., Philadelphia, PA
Physical Description Type: Turbojet Thrust: 6,939 N (1,560 lb) at 17,000 rpm (Military Rating) Compressor: 10-stage axial Combustor: Single annular Turbine: Single-stage axial Weight: 324 kg (692 lb) Dimensions Length 238.8 cm (94.0 in.), Diameter 48.3 cm (19.0 in.)
Materials Aluminum
Anodized Aluminum
Copper Alloy
Steel
Cadmium Plating
Plastic
Natural Fabric
Rubber
Phenolic Resin
Wood
Inventory Number A19710928000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Navy Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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