The
experimental T40 turbine engine shown here was
developed by the Allison division of General Motors
Corp., under a contract from the U.S. Navy. It was to
replace the piston engines that powered fighter planes
of the day. The design project started in 1945 with
initial deliveries in the 1950's. Its unique design is
actually two Allison T38 turbine engines combined into
a common unit with a single fuel management system and
an output combining gearbox. Only two hundred forty
(240) engines were built. Specifications, such as
horsepower, etc., changed as the design
evolved.
WEIGHT:
Approx. 3,000 lbs. - HORSEPOWER: 5,000 to 7,000+ -
LENGTH: w/ gearbox approx.11 ft.
Convair
XFY-1 POGO and Lockheed XFV-1 POGO - Vertical
takeoff and landing (VTOL) planes.
Douglas
XA2D-1 SKYSHARK - A planned replacement to the
piston engine Skyraider fighter.
Convair
R3Y & XP5Y TRADEWIND - Large four engine
transport seaplanes.
Republic
XF-84H - A turbine powered version of the F-84 jet
fighter plane.
Except
for the XF-84H's single propeller, these aircraft were
driven by enormous dual counter-rotating propellers
(some over 15ft. in diameter) which required a very
complex power transmission system. None of the planes
shown below were ever put into production.