From Sir Frank Whittle to the year 2000 — what is new in propulsion?

Extract

It is with great admiration and much humility that I am able to give this talk in front of Sir Frank Whittle, universally recognised as the genuine pioneer of turbojet propulsion in the formula that made a success of aviation.

As a matter of fact, the patent request filed by Sir Frank Whittle in 1930 (Fig. 1) comprised all the components of today’s turbojets: multi-stage axial compressor followed by a centrifugal compressor, combustion chamber, turbine coupled direct to the compressor and propulsion nozzle.

In April 1937, with the assistance of British Thomson Houston, Sir Frank Whittle ran his first turbojet on the bench at a thrust of 200 daN (Fig. 2). The year after saw the beginning of the Whittle Wl turbojet tests at a thrust of 380 daN. This engine was to receive consecration by a first flight in May 1941 in a Gloster E28/39 specially built for the purpose. Subsequently, this aircraft was fitted with a 650 daN version incorporating an air cooled turbine.