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.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Circa 1954
United States of America
PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet)
General Electric Aircraft Engines
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)
Length 574 cm (226.0 in.), Diameter 93 cm (36.75 in.)
A19600242000
Transferred from the U.S. Air Force Museum, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
National Air and Space Museum
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