DAYTON, Ohio -- General Electric J79 turbojet engine on display in the Research & Development Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Note: This engine is located in the Research & Development Gallery on a controlled-access portion of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The gallery will close until further notice beginning May 1, 2013, as part of budget reduction requirements due to sequestration.
The development of the J79 turbojet began in 1952 as a more powerful follow-up to the General Electric J47 turbojet. The engine generated a maximum of 17,000 pounds of thrust with the afterburner operating.
The J79 was used on a variety of high-speed aircraft, including some of the advanced fighters developed during the late 1950s. The two most famous examples are the McDonnell Douglas F-4 and Lockheed F-104, which were both capable of flying at Mach 2.
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Model: J79-GE-15 Compressor: 17-stage axial Turbine: three-stage axial Maximum takeoff: 17,000 lbs. thrust (with afterburner) Military power rating: 10,900 lbs. Weight: 3,850 lbs. Length: 17 ft. 5 in. Diameter: 3 ft. 2 in.
