General Electric J73

J73
Cutaway of a J73 at the NMUSAF
Type	Turbojet
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	General Electric
Major applications	North American F-86H Sabre
Number built	870
Unit cost	$145,000
Developed from	General Electric J47
Developed into	General Electric J79

The General Electric J73 turbojet was developed by General Electric from the earlier J47 engine. Its original USAF designation was J47-21, but with innovative features including variable inlet guide vanes, double-shell (inner and outer) combustor case and 50% greater airflow was redesignated the J73. It was only used in the North American F-86H.

An engine, uprated from the J47, was required for the F-86H. The mass flow was increased by relocating accessories from the centre of the compressor inlet to the underside of the engine. This allowed a reduction in blade hub diameter, which together with an increase in tip diameter, gave a bigger area for air to enter the compressor. The area through the combustion chambers also had to be increased. This was done by replacing the multiple individual chambers with a single annular casing with individual flame tubes or cans known as cannular.

The pressure ratio was increased and variable inlet guide vanes fitted to prevent low-RPM problems (rotating stall/blade flutter) with the higher design pressure ratio. A 2-stage turbine was required.

A low boost (10% at take-off) afterburner was fitted. It was known as a tailpipe augmentation (TPA) system.

Data from Flight.

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