The XRJ47-W-3 was a 51 cm (20 in.) diameter ramjet engine built by Wright Aeronautical. The W-3 was an improved model of the first ramjet engine developed by Wright. Ground development tests of the engine began in the late 1940s, and flight tests on Lockheed X-7 recoverable ramjet test vehicles began on May 7, 1952.
Although the W-3 model never reached production, it was a forerunner of the 122 cm (48 in.) diameter 53,799 N (12,095 lb) thrust XRJ47-W-5 and 43,074 N (9,684 lb) thrust XRJ47-W-9 ramjet engines that powered the North American Navaho SM-64 intercontinental missile. A total of 59 W-5 and W-9 engines were built. This W-3 engine was flown, and is one of two known to exist.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Circa late 1940s / early 1950s
United States of America
PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet)
Wright Aeronautical
Type: Ramjet
Thrust: Unknown
Weight: 227 kg (500 lb)
Missing flame holder, ignition, and fuel control; 2 lifting rings
Length 368.3 cm (145 in.), Diameter 53.3 cm (21 in.)
HAZMAT: Cadmium Plating
Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Paint
A19870230000
Gift of the Paterson Museum
National Air and Space Museum
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