It was a modification of the Pratt & Whitney J52 turbojet engine which powered the US Navy A-6 Intruder and A-4 Skyhawk attack aircraft.

Eight models comprise the JT8D standard engine family, covering the thrust range from 12,250 to 17,400 pounds-force (54 to 77 kN), and power the 727, 737-100/200, and DC-9.

Its increasing cross-sectional area allows the compressed air to slow down before entering one of the engine's nine burner cans.

The updated engines offer reduced (Stage-3) noise compliance standards without the need for hush kits, enhanced short field performance, and steeper and faster climb rates with roughly a 10% reduction in fuel burn for extended range.

Pratt & Whitney, in a joint venture with Seven Q Seven (SQS) and Omega Air, developed the JT8D-219 as a re-engine powerplant for Boeing 707-based aircraft.

[5] Northrop Grumman used the -219 to re-engine one of the United States Air Force's fleet of 19 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (E-8 Joint STARS) aircraft, which would allow the JSTARS more time on station due to the engine's 17%[6] greater fuel efficiency.

NATO originally planned to re-engine their fleet of E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft, however again this was cancelled after the decision was taken to retire the E-3 platform in preference for the E-7 Wedgetail.

[10] Mainline airline use of the JT8D continued until 2020 when Delta Air Lines retired their MD-88 fleet early due to the COVID-19 pandemic.