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Jet Engine “The development of the turbojet engine by a young British test pilot and aeronautics engineer, Frank Whittle, revolutionized every aspect of the aeronautics industry, from the military aircraft and guided missiles to passenger airlines and helicopters. By dispensing with the piston-crankshaft propeller system, the jet aircraft could be driven by a much smaller, lighter engine. Its tremendous power also paved the way for travel at supersonic speed.” (Feldman & Ford 300). The fundamental on which it operates was first stated by Sir Isaac Newton: to every reaction there is an equal and opposite reaction. In this case when fuel is burned hot gases are expelled and the reaction would be thrust which moves the engine forward (Feldman & Ford 300). In 1930 Frank Whittle took out his first patent specifications for a jet engine in which incoming air was compressed and heated by a series of vaned wheels, (the compressor). The rest of the air was pushed into a combustion chamber where it ignited. Finally testing it in 1937 he installed it on a plane for flight in May 1941. When it flew it became a blueprint for the engines for the first American experimental jet plane (Feldman & Ford 300). Although extensive work was begun it did not come into play until the latter part of World War II. However in the post war years the developments were extensive. Meanwhile the jet engines were introduced into civilian aircraft and now power all commercial aircraft. He retired from thee Royal Air Force and received a knighthood in 1948 (Feldman & Ford 301). ReferencesFeldman, Anthony & Ford, Peter Scientists and Inventors. New York: Facts on File, 1979. |