In 1946, GE proposed to the Army Air Forces the more powerful and fuel efficient TG-190 (later J47) engine to replace its J35 turbojet. An axial-flow compressor was chosen because it offered higher pressure ratios, more power, and overall better performance. First tested in mid-1947, the J47's first flight was a year later in the North American XF-86. An Air-Force-owned facility in Evendale, Ohio, was made available to GE; and, in early-1949, the new plant shipped its first production J47 engine.

At the outbreak of the Korean War, Packard and Studebaker were also licensed for J47 production; and, when production ended in 1956, more than 35,000 J47s had been manufactured, making it the most mass-produced turbojet in history.

This artifact powered the Boeing B-47. J47's also powered the North American B-45 Tornado, North American F-86 Sabre Jet, North American FJ-2 Fury, and Republic XF-91. The J47 provided boost power for the Consolidated-Vultee B-36 and Boeing KC-97 Stratotanker.

 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 1950 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet) Manufacturer General Electric Aircraft Engines
 Physical Description Type: Turbojet Thrust: 29,802 N (6,700 lb) at 7,950 rpm Compressor: 12-stage axial Combustor: 8 combustion chambers Turbine: Single-stage axial Weight: 1,202 kg (2,650 lb) Dimensions Length 335,3 cm (132 in.), Diameter 100.3 cm (39.5 in.)
 Materials Aluminum
Paint
Steel
Plastic
Rubber
Copper Alloy
Paper
Adhesive
Stainless Steel
Cadmium Plating
 Inventory Number A19750424000 Credit Line Transferred from the NASA - Lewis Research Center. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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