Using a single stage centrifugal compressor and a single stage axial turbine, the J33 turbojet is a direct descendant of
the Whittle engine. The first J33 underwent static testing on 13 January 1944 and flew in the XP-80A five months later.

The J33-A-35, of which over 6,600 were built between 1949 and 1955, was used in Luftwaffe T-33A trainers.