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.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
1953
United States of America
PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet)
Aviation Gas Turbine Div., Westinghouse Electric Corp., Philadelphia, PA
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)
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.)
A19731558000
Transferred from the U.S. Navy, Naval Supply Center, Cheatham Annex, Williamsburg, Virginia.
National Air and Space Museum
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