The Development of the Junkers Jumo 004B—The World’s First Production Turbojet

Abstract

This paper describes the pioneering work of Anselm Franz who, while working for the Junkers Engine company in Germany, designed and made operational the world’s first production jet engine, the Junkers Jumo 004, which was the powerplant for the formidable Messerschmitt ME 262 fighter. The paper covers the historical background of jet engine development in Germany during the Second World War and discusses design details of this remarkable axial flow, 1980 lb (900 kg) thrust engine. The development represented a historic achievement for Anselm Franz and his design team at Junkers. Approximately 6000 engines were built at the end of the Second World War in the face of acute shortages and damage to German industry. The Jumo was brought from conceptual design to production in a span of four years. Franz joined Avco Lycoming in 1952 and worked for 16 years. He retired as Vice President in 1968 after making prolific contributions to the development of several Lycoming engines including the T53, the T55, and the AGT-1500. Anselm Franz passed away at the age of 94 in Stratford, Connecticut. This paper is a modest tribute to a jet engine pioneer who, in spite of his extensive contributions to gas turbine technology, will always be remembered as the man who designed the world’s first production turbojet.