Engines and propulsion - Aviation Technology - Brief Article

Naval Aviation News, Nov-Dec, 2003

On 7 February 1922 the Navy's Aeronautical Engine Laboratory completed a 50-hour test run of the Lawrance J-1, a 200-hp radial aircooled engine, left. Radial engines would be the norm in naval aircraft for years to come.

The evolution of the turobjet engine in the 1940s was the next significant milestone in aircraft engine design. Left inset, McDonnell Aircraft's XFD-1, the first naval aircraft with turbojet engines, was the prototype for the FH-1 Phantom jet fighter. Above right, Westinghouse jet aircraft engines designed and built for the Navy circa 1945 include a turbojet for the XFD-1, at left in photo.

McDonnell also designed the Navy's first twin-engine helicopter, the XHJD-1, right inset. Intended for experimental use in a flight development program and for tactical use in utility and air-sea rescue operations, the helo made its first hovering flight on 25 March 1946.

Bottom photo, on 20 August 1947, Commander Turner F. Caldwell, right, achieved a world speed record in the D-558-1 Skystreak. His record was broken five days later by Major Marion Carl, USMC, left, in the same aircraft.