Historic England - Sir Frank Whittle

The pioneer of the jet engine was born in Coventry and developed an early interest in planes, spending hours in the library studying astronomy, physiology and engineering.  He patented the original idea for the jet engine himself in 1932 as the Air Ministry turned him down.  The first test flight of a Gloster E28/39, powered by Whittle’s jet engine, took place in 1941.

Places to visit

The Sir Frank Whittle Jet Heritage Centre, Midland Air Museum, Coventry, West Midlands
Discover the exhilarating Story of the Jet and Wings over Coventry in the museum's collection.

Lutterworth Museum, Leicestershire
Sir Frank Whittle's company 'Power Jets' worked in the town from 1937 - 1945 while developing the jet engine, so find out more at the museum that holds the largest collection of Whittle artefacts in the world.