J85

J85

WalterAero offers industry-leading maintenance, repair and overhaul services for legacy engines, including the GE Aerospace J85 turbojet. We are in a multi-year contract with the United States Air Force to provide MRO services for the J85 engines powering the USAF fleet of T-38 trainer aircraft, and we will offer the same high-quality service on the J85 contract as on other multi-year agreements, including the Rolls-Royce T56 engines that power C-130 aircraft and the GE F110 engines on F-15 and F-16 fighters.

WalterAero is a worldwide provider of engine MRO, rotorcraft airframe and component MRO, engineering and support services to global military operators. Our extensive experience, worldwide presence, and quality service help operators worldwide maintain the highest level of readiness and mission success.

In 2024, Aero Turbine, Inc. (ATI), a leading U.S.-owned provider of comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, joined the WalterAero family. Since 1978, ATI has been central to J85 engine overhauls, repairs and modifications, specializing in military engines and accessories for mature platforms and supporting the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Army, as well as international military fleets. Our engines power the T-2, T-37, T-38, F-5, CF-5, A-37 and F-4 aircraft globally. We are proud to be the only fully approved, end-to-end J85 MRO provider in the U.S., offering in-house expertise and a robust parts inventory to support MISTR, FMS, and commercial contracts.

Certifications & Capabilities

WalterAero’s state-of-the-art facilities, skilled engineering team, and dedicated quality assurance drive our industry-leading services. As an FAA-approved Repair Station, we support numerous legacy turbine engines, bringing unmatched expertise in J85, J79 and J69 engine services. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our CPARS ratings, with consistent “Very Good” and “Exceptional” performance as the prime contractor for U.S. Air Force J85 MISTR contracts.

J85 Engine Expertise

The J85-GE engine, known as the “Little Tough Guy,” powers the F-5 fighter jet and T-38 trainer, with WalterAero providing life cycle-optimized maintenance solutions to extend their operational life. Our rigorous MRO process includes visual inspections, part cleaning, disassembly, and precision repairs, culminating in testing to ensure peak performance. This process addresses common issues such as wear, corrosion, and foreign debris damage, providing reliable, high-performing engines.

Why Choose WalterAero?

– Customized maintenance solutions for reduced costs and increased reliability
– Complete FMS support for international clients
– Unmatched experience in U.S. military jet engine support
– Short- and long-term cost savings for fleet operators

J85-5

The GE J85-5 is a single-shaft axial-flow turbojet engine that generates up to 2,680 lbf (11.921 kilonewtons) thrust dry and 3,850 lbf (17.126 kN) afterburning thrust. It weighs 584 pounds (265 kilograms), which can vary depending on additional equipment.

Nicknamed “Little Tough Guy” for measuring 20.430 inches in diameter and 108.15 inches long cold, the J85-5 is among the most successful and longest-running military jet engines in service, with the civilian versions having reported more than 16.5 million hours of operation.

J85-13
The GE J85-13 is a single-spool turbojet engine with an eight-stage axial-flow compressor and a two-stage turbine. Its efficient compressor discharges air that bypasses the combustion zone and is used to cool combustor and turbine components. It is a powerhouse for high-performance trainers and tactical aircraft.

J85-17A
The J85-17A is a single-shaft, turbojet engine. Military versions produce up to 2,450 lbf (10.9 kN) thrust dry. The non-afterburning J85-17A powered the Cessna A-37A/B, an American light attack aircraft developed from the T-37 Tweet basic trainer in the 1960s and 1970s. Introduced during the Vietnam War, the A-37 remained in peacetime service afterward.

J85-21
We specialize in industry-leading maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for legacy engines, including the General Electric J85-21 turbojet.

The J85-GE-21 is a lightweight, single-spool turbojet engine with a rated non-afterburning thrust of 3500 lbf (15.5 kilonewtons).

J85-CAN15
Our decades of extensive experience have given us a solid foundation to provide you with top-notch CAN15 maintenance, repair, and overhaul services.

Orenda Engines Limited manufactured J85-CAN-15 for the Canadair CF-116, 4,300 lbf (19 kN) thrust. Orenda was Canada’s prime aircraft engine manufacturer and parts supplier. As part of the earlier Avro Canada conglomerate, which became Hawker Siddeley Canada, they produced a series of military jet engines from the 1950s through the 1970s, including the J85-CAN-15.

J85-CAN-40
Keep your J85-CAN-40 engine efficient and on the wing as long as possible. With our technical capabilities and innovative solutions, we can significantly prolong the life of your engine by repairing/overhauling your accessories.

Manufactured by Orenda Engines Limited for the Canadair CT-114 Tutor and Canadair CL-41 Tutor, military classes of the J85-CAN-40 engine generate up to 2,650 lbf (11.8kN) thrust.

J85-100

The J85-GE-100 engine, an inverted version of the J85-8 sage engines, powers the BQM-34S aerial target drone used by the United States Navy. The J85-GE-100 is assembled by converting other J85 8 stages engines. Known for its lightweight, compact design, the J85-100 provides approximately 2,850 pounds of thrust, making it well-suited for high-speed, high-altitude missions where maneuverability and reliability are essential. The BQM-34S drone, used as a target for air-to-air and surface-to-air missile training, benefits from the J85-100’s inverted installation, which aligns with the drone’s unique design for optimal balance and control. WalterAero Stockton offers tailored MRO services for the J85-100 engine, ensuring top performance and extended service life for target drones in demanding training operations. Contact us to learn more about our specialized maintenance and overhaul solutions.