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, had 7,118 N (1,600 lb) of thrust and first ran in April 1943. About 250 were built, mainly for the Bell YP-59 and P-59A and B jet aircraft.

This engine, a J31-GE-4, was a Navy version of the engine used in the Ryan FR-1 aircraft. It was similar to the -5 and -7 Air Force versions, except for the elimination and relocation of some accessories, and the rearrangement of engine supports.

 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: 7,118 N (1,600 lb) at 16,500 rpm Compressor: Single-stage centrifugal Combustor: 10 reverse-flow chambers Turbine: Single-stage axial Weight: 386 kg (850 lb) Dimensions Overall: 850lb. (385.6kg)
Other: 6 ft. × 3 ft. 5 1/2 in. (182.9 × 105.4cm)
 Materials HAZMAT: Cadmium
Ferrous Alloy
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Paint
Wood
Copper Alloy
Unknown Coating
Adhesive Tape
Rubber
Possible Asbestos
 Inventory Number A19710049000 Credit Line Transferred from Lakehurst Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, New Jersey Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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