Pratt & Whitney developed the TF30 turbofan engine as a private venture, originally working with Douglas Aircraft in early marketing considerations for the DC-9 small jet transport. However, what was a roughly half-scale version of the earlier JT3D ended up with no commercial application, but did find substantial military application, resulting in the first American turbofan equipped with an afterburner.

The engine, rated in the 89,000 N (20,000 lb) thrust class, completed its official military qualification tests in 1965, and powered the Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV) A-7A, B, and C Corsair II; General Dynamics F-111; and Grumman F-14A Tomcat aircraft. Production of the TF30 series stopped in 1986.

The museum's TF30, built by Pratt & Whitney without an afterburner in 1966, powered an LTV A-7A.

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 1966

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet)

Manufacturer

Pratt & Whitney

Physical Description

Type: Turbofan, 2-shaft
Thrust: 50,485 N (11,350 lb)
Compressor: 3-stage front fan, 6-stage low pressure and 7-stage high-pressure
Combustor: Annular
Turbine: Single-stage high pressure, 3-stage low pressure
Weight: 1232 kg (2715 lb)

Dimensions

Length 325 cm (128.1 in.), Diameter 107 cm (42.0 in.)

Materials

HAZMAT: Cadmium
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Ferrous Alloy
Synthetic Fiber Fabric
Copper Alloy
Rubber
Plastic
Ink
Paint
Solder

Inventory Number

A19870038000

Credit Line

Transferred from the U.S. Air Force Museum, Dayton, Ohio

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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