General Electric designed this proof-of-concept turboprop “unducted fan” engine as part of NASA’s Advanced Turboprop Project, which was aimed at overcoming the three-fold increase in fuel prices resulting from the 1973 Middle East oil embargo. GE modified a standard F404 engine with advanced “propfan” blades in a unique gearless counter-rotation configuration, which reduced fuel consumption at flight speeds by 32 percent.
NASA successfully flight tested the engine in 1986–87 on modified Boeing 727s and McDonnell Douglas MD-80s. The engine earned the NASA and industry team the prestigious Collier Trophy for 1987. While the engine met its efficiency and overall performance goals, fuel prices fell when the embargo ended, and further development costs could not be justified.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Circa 1986
United States of America
PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet)
General Electric Aircraft Engines
Type: Turboprop
Power Rating: 14,914 kw (20,000 eshp) at 1,300 rpm
Compressor: 7-stage axial
Combustor: Annular
Turbine: Single-stage high pressure, single-stage low pressure
Diameter 357 cm (140 in.)
A19920001000
Gift of General Electric Aircraft Engines and transfer from the Naval Air Systems Command
National Air and Space Museum
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