Quick Facts
Father of the Jet Age," Frank Whittle: Revolutionized flight forever.
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Life Journey
Frank Whittle was born to Harry Whittle and Sara Alice Garlick in Coventry, England. His father was a mechanic and engineer, which influenced Frank's early interest in mechanical and engineering pursuits.
At the age of 16, Frank Whittle joined the Royal Air Force as an apprentice, where he began his formal training in engineering and aviation, laying the foundation for his future career and innovations.
Whittle was promoted to the rank of Aircraft Mechanic and began serving as an aircraft fitter. His technical skills and innovative ideas started to gain recognition within the RAF.
Whittle submitted his first patent for a turbojet engine, which would revolutionize aviation. His design was ahead of its time and faced initial skepticism from the RAF and other authorities.
Whittle graduated from the RAF College at Cranwell with high honors, further solidifying his expertise in aeronautical engineering and his position within the RAF.
Whittle co-founded Power Jets Ltd. to develop his turbojet engine. Despite financial and technical challenges, the company made significant progress in bringing his ideas to fruition.
The first successful flight of an aircraft powered by Whittle's turbojet engine took place. This milestone marked the beginning of the jet age and validated Whittle's innovative design.
Whittle was awarded an honorary knighthood for his contributions to the development of the jet engine. This recognition highlighted the significance of his work and its impact on aviation.
After a distinguished career, Whittle retired from the Royal Air Force with the rank of Air Commodore. He continued to work on various engineering projects and consult on aviation technology.
Whittle was awarded the Wright Brothers Medal by the Society of Automotive Engineers, recognizing his pioneering work in the development of the jet engine and its impact on aviation.
Frank Whittle passed away at the age of 89 in Columbia, Maryland, USA. His legacy as the inventor of the turbojet engine continues to influence modern aviation and engineering.