Developed by Westinghouse Electric Corp. in the late 1940s, the J34 engine was an enlarged version of the earlier Westinghouse J30. The J34 produced at least 3,000 pounds of thrust (depending on engine series) and was twice as powerful as its predecessor. Some J34 versions were fitted with an afterburner.
The U.S. Air Force used several different versions of J34s to power experimental aircraft in the late 1940s and early 1950s. J34s powered the XF-88 and two aircraft on display in the R&D Gallery, the XF-85 Goblin and X-3 Stiletto.
The engine on display, cut away to reveal internal components, is representative of the basic J34 type.
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Model: J34-WE-22
Compressor: 11-stage axial flow
Turbine: Two-stage axial flow
Thrust: 3,000 lbs. maximum
Weight: 1,200 lbs.
Maximum rpm: 12,500
Click here to return to the Research & Development Gallery.