Dr. Hans von Ohain and Sir Frank Whittle are both recognized as being the co-inventors of the jet engine. Each worked separately, and knew nothing of the other’s work. Hans von Ohain is considered the designer of the first operational turbojet engine. Frank Whittle was the first to register a patent for the turbojet engine in 1930. Hans von Ohain was granted a patent for his turbojet engine in 1936. However, Hans von Ohain’s jet was the first to fly in 1939. Frank Whittle’s jet first flew in 1941.
Sir Frank Whittle became a testpilot in 1931. The young RAF officer was only 22 when he first thought to use a gas turbine engine to power an airplane. He is regarded as the father of modern jet propulsion systems. He received his first patent on turbojet propulsion in January 1930.
The modern turbojet engine is based on Frank Whittle’s invention.
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