Pratt & Whitney designed this engine for continuous operation at high Mach number flight with compressor inlet temperatures above 400 degrees C (750 degrees F). Development began about 1958, and production began in 1964.
The J58 had a single-shaft rotor design, with an 8.8:1 pressure ratio compressor, which incorporated a unique compressor bleed bypass at high Mach number. When opened, bypass valves bled air from the fourth stage, and six ducts routed it around the compressor rear stages, combustor, and turbine. The bleed air re-entered the turbine exhaust around the front of the afterburner where it was used for increased thrust and cooling. The main fuel control scheduled transition to bypass operation as a function of compressor inlet temperature and engine speed. For extreme high-altitude and high-speed environment operation, the engine required special fuel and oil.
Two J58 engines powered each Lockheed A-12 and YF-12 interceptor, and the SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance and SR-71B trainer aircraft.
Display Status
This object is on display in Nation of Speed at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Date
Circa 1965
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet)
Manufacturer
Pratt & Whitney
Physical Description
Type: Turbojet, afterburner
Thrust: 133,440 N (30,000 lb)
Compressor: 8-stage axial
Combustor: Cannular
Turbine: 2-stage
Weight: 2,948 kg (6,500 lb)
Dimensions
Overall: 8690 lb. (3941.8kg)
Other: 180 x 50in. (457.2 x 127cm)
Overall: 203.2 × 609.6cm (6 ft. 8 in. × 20 ft.)
Materials
Aluminum, Ceramic, Inconel, Plastic, Steel
Inventory Number
A19920006000
Credit Line
Transferred from the U.S. Air Force, Norton AFB, California
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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