The J57 was the world's first jet engine to develop 10,000 lbs thrust. It evolved from the T45 turboprop engine designed for the XB-52 program. The J57 featured a dual-rotor axial-flow compressor which allowed low fuel consumption over a wide operating range and improved the sluggish acceleration previously characteristic of jet engines.

The civil version, the JT3 made possible the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8.

Production began in 1953 and lasted to 1970 (per U.S. Air Force Museum. Pratt & Whitney gives the production dates as 1951 - 1965). Over 21,000 were produced.

models

• YJ57-P-3: 8,700 lb (38.7 kN) thrust
• J57-P-8B: 14,500 lb (64.5 kN) thrust w/afterburner
• J57-P-10: 10,500 lb (46.7 kN) thrust
• J57-P-19W: 12,100 lb (53.8 kN) thrust with water injection
• J57-P-20A: 18,000 lb (80.1 kN) thrust
• J57-P-21A: 17,000 lb (75.6 kN) thrust
• J57-P-23: 17,200 lb (76.5 kN) thrust
• J57-P-55: 16,900 lb (75.2 kN) thrust with afterburner

specifications

• Turbojet
• Dual-rotor axial-flow compressor
• mass flow: 164-187 lbs/sec
• pressure ratio: 12.5

used by

• Douglas A-3 Skywarrior
• Boeing B-52 Stratofortress
• Boeing C-135/707
• Boeing C-137
• Douglas DC-8
• Douglas F4D Skyray
• Vought F-8 Crusader
• North American F-100 Super Sabre
• McDonnell F-101 Voodoo
• Convair F-102 Delta Dagger
• Lockheed U-2