Westinghouse developed the first all-American-designed turbojet engine, and the X24C is the third in the series of Westinghouse turbojets, begun early in 1944. It was intended to have more possibilities for use in a two-engine fighter than Westinghouse's earlier X19B turbojet. The Navy Bureau of Aeronautics initiated a purchase order in January 1945 for two X24C units plus spares. In April 1945, the first X24C was test run, and by November 1945, three more engines were placed on test. By July 1946, four experimental models were under development including the X24C-2/-4A/-4B/-6. Approximately 5,000 Westinghouse 24C (military designation J34) engines were built.

Westinghouse 24C engines powered the Chance Vought F6U-1 Pirate, Chance Vought XF7U-1 and F7U-1/-2 Cutlass, McDonnell F2H-1 Banshee, and Douglas XF3D-1 Skyknight. This engine is a Model 24C-2, designed as a booster power plant, incorporating a section capable only of driving accessories necessary for engine operation.