Following World War II, the Navy decided to develop a turbojet with improved fuel consumption at high altitudes, with emphasis on large single-engine craft. Westinghouse initiated the J40 development program in 1947, and the first flight took place in 1951 when it powered the McDonnell XF3H-1 Demon on its maiden flight. At that time, the J40 was the most powerful U.S. turbojet engine qualified for production.

In 1953, the Douglas XF4D-1 Skyray powered by a J40-WE-8 engine with afterburner established a new World's Speed Record of 1,205 km/hr (753.4 mph). The J40-WE-6/-8 powered the two prototype Skyrays, but development delays resulted in the aircraft going into production with the Pratt & Whitney J57. The J40 was not produced in quantity as a result of insufficient thrust for its intended airframe applications, critical problems and schedule delays, and because other more powerful competitor engines were available.

This artifact powered the Grumman F10F-1 Jaguar and the Douglas XF4D-1 Skyray aircraft.

 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 1953 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet) Manufacturer Aviation Gas Turbine Div., Westinghouse Electric Corp., Philadelphia, PA
 Physical Description Type: Turbojet Thrust: 46,704 N (10,500 lb) at 7,600 rpm Compressor: 10-stage axial Combustor: Annular combustion chamber Turbine: 2-stage axial Weight: 1,588 kg (3,500 lb) Dimensions Overall: 3500lb. (1587.6kg)
Other: 25 ft. × 3 ft. 4 in. (762 × 101.6cm)
Storage: 134.6 × 535.9 × 144.8cm (4 ft. 5 in. × 17 ft. 7 in. × 4 ft. 9 in.)
 Inventory Number A19731558000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Navy, Naval Supply Center, Cheatham Annex, Williamsburg, Virginia. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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