Through a representative in England, General Electric learned of the pioneering jet engine development of Frank Whittle. This resulted in a visit by General H.H. Arnold, Chief of the U.S. Army Air Corps, and manufacture of the Whittle engine by GE. The American engine incorporated a number of mechanical improvements, and two I-A engines first flew in a Bell P-59A in 1942.

GE followed with two designs of increased thrust; first the I-14 (aimed at 6,227 N (1,400 lb.) thrust) and then with the I-16. The J31-GE-3 (I-16-3) was an Air Force engine used in the Bell YP-59. It was the same as the J31-GE-1 except that mounting trunnions were reversed for right-hand mounting. The accessory section was also reversed.

Believing that future tactical needs would require turbojets to use the same fuel as reciprocating engines, the U.S. Navy developed a 100-octane, gasoline-burning version of the standard I-16, which normally ran on kerosene fuel.

 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 Circa World War II Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet) Manufacturer General Electric Aircraft Engines
 Physical Description Type: Turbojet Thrust: 7,161 N (1,610 lb) at 16,500 rpm Compressor: Single-stage centrifugal Combustor: 10 reverse-flow chambers Turbine: Single-stage axial Weight: 386 kg (850 lb) Dimensions Length 182.9 cm (72 in.), Diameter 105.4 cm (41.5 in.)
 Materials Aluminum
Steel
Paint
Fabric
Adhesive
Anodized Aluminum
Rubber
Plastic
 Inventory Number A19660041000 Credit Line Found in the collection Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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