THE FIRST TURBOJET ENGINE MASS PRODUCED IN THE UNITED STATES.
Year
1943
POWER OUTPUT
1,650
lbf
WEIGHT
850
lbs.
DISPLACEMENT
176
cu.in.
Powering the first
U.S. JET FIGHTER
The J31 (also known as the GE I-16) was the first turbojet engine mass produced in the United States and was based on the British Whittle-1. Development began in 1943, when the government believed that future tactical needs would require turbojet engines to use the same fuel as reciprocating engines. Two J31's powered the Bell P-59A Airacomet, this first U.S. jet fighter. Two-hundred and forty-one were built. It produced 1,650 lbs. of thrust and had a maximum of 16,500 rpm.
