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This is a mockup of an LR63-AJ-1 liquid fuel rocket motor developed by the Aerojet Engineering Co. as a "Superperformance engine," or built-in JATO (Jet-Assisted-Take-Off), to boost the performance of a U.S. Air Force F-86 jet fighter. It produced 3,500-5,000 pounds of thrust.

During the Korean War, there was an urgent requirement for a Superperformance engine for the F-86 to counter the superior performance of Soviet MiG jets. The LR63 was already being developed experimentally for the F-84 fighter-bomber. It was subsequently modified for use on the F-86. Flight tests on an F-86 were made in 1956 but the war had ended and the YLR63 did not become operational. The motor was donated to the Smithsonian by the Aerojet General Corp. in 1968.

 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 ca. 1950-1956 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Rocket Engines Manufacturer Aerojet General Corp.
 Dimensions Overall (Approximate): 101 1/2 × 10 in., 10cm (257.8 × 25.4cm, 3 15/16 in.)
Storage: 64.8 × 280.7 × 94cm, 234.1kg (25 1/2 × 110 1/2 × 37 in., 516lb.)
 Materials Steel
Non-Magnetic White Metal Alloy
Anodized Aluminum
Plastic
Paper
Adhesive
Ink
 Inventory Number A19680545000 Credit Line Aerojet General Corp. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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