Sir Air Cdre Frank Whittle OM KBE CB FRS FRAeS
(1907-1996)

Died aged c. 89

Air Commodore Sir Frank Whittle, OM, KBE, CB, FRS, FRAeS (1 June 1907 – 8 August 1996) was an English engineer, inventor and Royal Air Force (RAF) air officer. He is credited with inventing the turbojet engine. A patent was submitted by Maxime Guillaume in 1921 for a similar invention which was technically unfeasible at the time. Whittle's jet engines were developed some years earlier than those of Germany's Hans von Ohain, who designed the first-to-fly (but never operational) turbojet engine. Whittle demonstrated an aptitude for engineering and an interest in flying from an early age. At first he was turned down by the RAF but, determined to join the force, he overcame his physical limitations and was accepted and sent to No. 2 School of Technical Training to join No 1 Squadron of Cranwell Aircraft Apprentices. He was taught the theory of aircraft engines and gained practical experience in the engineering workshops. His academic and practical abilities as an Aircraft Apprentice earned him a place on the officer training course at Cranwell. He excelled in his studies and became an accomplished pilot. While writing his thesis he formulated the fundamental concepts that led to the creation of the turbojet engine, taking out a patent on his design in 1930. His performance on an officers' engineering course earned him a place on a further course at Peterhouse, Cambridge, where he graduated with a First. Without Air Ministry support, he and two retired RAF servicemen formed Power Jets Ltd to build his engine with assistance from the firm of British Thomson-Houston. Despite limited funding, a prototype was created, which first ran in 1937. Official interest was forthcoming following this success, with contracts being placed to develop further engines, but the continuing stress seriously affected Whittle's health, eventually resulting in a nervous breakdown in 1940. In 1944 when Power Jets was nationalised he again suffered a nervous breakdown, and resigned from the board in 1946. In 1948, Whittle retired from the RAF and received a knighthood. He joined BOAC as a technical advisor before working as an engineering specialist with Shell, followed by a position with Bristol Aero Engines. After emigrating to the U.S. in 1976 he accepted the position of NAVAIR Research Professor at the United States Naval Academy from 1977 to 1979. In August 1996, Whittle died of lung cancer at his home in Columbia, Maryland. In 2002, Whittle was ranked number 42 in the BBC poll of the 100 Greatest Britons.

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Commemorated on 5 plaques

Sir Frank Whittle OM KBE CB FRS 1907-1996 Jet propulsion pioneer. Pursued the development of his jet engine at the Cambridge University Department of Engineering.

University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, United Kingdom where they worked

Born here Sir Frank Whittle "Father of the jet engine" 1st June, 1907

72 Newcombe Road, Coventry, United Kingdom where they was born (1907)

Air Commodore Sir Frank Whittle OM, KBE, CB, FRS, FRAes. This statue celebrates the centenary of Frank Whittle's birth in Coventry and shows him watching the first test flight of a jet-propelled Gloster-Whittle E28/39 on 15 May 1941 at RAF Cranwell. Sculpture by Faith Winter unveiled on 1 June 2007

Millennium Place - near Hales Street, Coventry, United Kingdom where they is commemorated

On this common Frank Whittle jet pioneer First felt the power of flight 1916

Hearsall Common, Coventry, United Kingdom where they was (1916)

Sir Frank Whittle OM 1907-1996 inventor of the jet engine lived here

9 Victoria Street, Royal Leamington Spa, United Kingdom where they lived