The General Electric/Allison J33 is an American centrifugal-flow jet engine, a development of the General Electric J31, enlarged to produce significantly greater thrust, starting at 4,000 lbf (18 kN) and ending at 4,600 lbf (20 kN) with an additional low-altitude boost to 5,400 lbf (24 kN) with water-alcohol injection.

The J33/I-40 was General Electric's first turbojet engine of its own design, its last all-centrifugal-flow engine; as well as the last to be used in US military combat aircraft.

Two of the first GE series I-A engines, developing 1,250 lbs. Thrust each powered the Bell XP-59 in October 1942. Progressing in thrust through the series 1-14, 1-16, 1-20 of 1,400, 1600 and 2,000 lbs. The J33 began life as the 1-40 in June 1943 with …

Mar 22, 2025 · A more powerful engine, an Allison J33-A-23 with 4,600 pounds of thrust, helped offset the increased weight of the modified airplane. Internal fuel capacity decreased 72 gallons (273 liters) to 353 (1,336 liters).

Originally developed by the General Electric Co. for the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, the J33 engine is a direct descendant of the British Whittle engine of the early 1940s. The first J33 underwent static testing on Jan. 13, 1944, just 6 1/2 months after development began.

The General Electric/Allison J33 was a development of the General Electric J31, enlarged to produce significantly greater thrust, starting at 4,000 lbf (18 kN) and ending at 4,600 lbf (20 kN) with an additional low-altitude boost to 5,400 lbf (24,000 N) with water-alcohol injection.

Originally developed for the Lockheed P-80 “Shooting Star”, the J33 engine is a direct descendant of the British Whittle engine of the early 1940s. The first J33 underwent static testing on January 13, 1944, just 6 1/2 months after development began.

The J33 was GE's first turbojet engine of its own design, the last all-centrifugal-flow engine built by GE, and last used in U.S. military combat aircraft. The J33 powered many first generation U.S. military jet aircraft. This engine powered the Lockheed F-80C and TF-80C.

By Aug. 21, 1944, J-33 engines built to specifications had a probable life of 50 hours before major parts required repair or replacement.

Feb 17, 2017 · The J33 was an outgrowth of the turbojet engine developed for aircraft use prior to and during World War II by the British in the form of the Whittle engine. The J33 powered what became known as “jet” aircraft like the P-80 Shooting Star, its …