In 1946, GE proposed to the Army Air Forces a new engine, more powerful and fuel efficient than its earlier J35, but within the same frame size. To provide higher pressure ratios, and overall better performance, GE chose an axial-flow compressor design. First tested in 1947, the J47 passed its 150-hour test in 1948, and went into production later in the same year. Production ended in 1956, with more than 35,000 J47s manufactured, making it the most mass-produced turbojet engine in history.

The J47 powered a wide variety of aircraft including the the North American B-45 Tornado bomber, Consolidated-Vultee B-36 bomber (boost power), Boeing B-47 Stratojet bomber, Martin XB-51 attack bomber, North American F-86 Sabre Jet fighter, North American FJ-2 Fury fighter, Republic XF-91 interceptor, Chase XC-123A transport, and Boeing KC-97 Stratotanker (boost power). This J47-GE-17 engine powered the North American F-86D Sabre Jet and the Italian Fiat F-86K.

 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 1954 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet) Manufacturer General Electric Aircraft Engines
 Physical Description Type: Turbojet, with afterburner Thrust: 33,360 N (7,500 lb) at 7,950 rpm Compressor: 12-stage axial Combustor: 8 chambers Turbine: Single-stage axial Weight: 1,361 kg (3,000 lb) Dimensions Length 574 cm (226.0 in.), Diameter 93 cm (36.75 in.)
 Inventory Number A19600242000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Air Force Museum, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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