In response to the 1941 Special Committee on Jet Propulsion of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, the Westinghouse proposed development of a turbojet engine, but started development without a contract.

Development of the third in the Westinghouse turbojet series, the X24C, began in 1944. Designed to weigh 454 kg (1,000 lb.) and develop a static thrust of 13,344 N (3,000 lb.), it was intended to be better for use in a two-engine fighter than Westinghouse's earlier X19B turbojet. The Navy Bureau of Aeronautics ordered two X24C units plus spares in 1945, and, by 1946, four models were under development, including the X24C-2/-4A/-4B/-6.

Approximately 5,000 Westinghouse 24C (military designation J34) engines were built. These powered the Chance Vought F6U-1 Pirate, Chance Vought XF7U-1 and F7U-1/-2 Cutlass, McDonnell F2H-1 Banshee, and Douglas XF3D-1 Skyknight. This J34-WE-22A artifact powered the first flight of the Chance Vought XF6U in 1946, McDonnell prototype F2H in 1947, and the Douglas XF3D-1 in 1948.

 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 Post World War II 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: 13,344 N (3,000 lb) Compressor: 11-stage axial Combustor: Double annular combustion chamber Turbine: 2-stage axial Weight: 558 kg (1,230 lb) Dimensions Length 304.8 cm (120 in.), Diameter 61 cm (24 in.)
 Materials HAZMAT: Cadmium Plating, Magnesium
Aluminum, Preservative coating, Steel, Rubber
 Inventory Number A19670026000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Navy, NSD, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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