Object Details
Manufacturer
Power Jets, Ltd. (London, England)
Designer
Sir Frank Whittle
Physical Description
Type: Turbojet
Thrust: 5,516 N (1,240 lb) at 17,750 rpm, 3,781 N (850 lb) at 16,500 rpm (Derated for first flight)
Compressor: Single-stage, double entry, centrifugal
Combustor: 10 reverse flow chambers
Turbine: Single- stage axial
Weight: 254 kg (560 lb)
Summary
Sir Frank Whittle's jet aircraft engine was patented in 1932, and Power Jets, Ltd. formed in 1936. The Whittle Unit bench test engine first ran on April 12, 1937. In 1939, the British Air Ministry placed a contract for the W.1 engine to be flight tested on the new Gloster E.28/39 aircraft. During taxiing tests, the W.1X non-airworthy engine unofficially became the first British turbojet to be airborne when the E.28/39 made short, straight hops. The W.1 flew officially in the E.28/39 on May 15, 1941.
The W.1X and drawings of the W.2B production engine were delivered to the General Electric Company on October 1, 1941. GE's improved and uprated version, the IA, powered the first U.S. jet aircraft, the Bell XP-59A Airacomet on October 2, 1942. At the end of its useful life, the W.1X was returned to England. On November 8, 1949, the W.1X was presented to the Smithsonian by Power Jets, Ltd.
Alternate Name
Whittle W.1X Engine
Key Accomplishment(s)
Pioneering Turbojet Engine
Impact or Innovation
Jet engines enabled aircraft to fly higher, farther, and faster than piston engine aircraft could.
Brief Description
This is one of the first turbojet engines. British engineer Sir Frank Whittle patented his pioneering design in 1932. The engine first flew on the E.28/39 in 1941 marking the unofficial first flight of a British jet aircraft.
Credit Line
Gift of Power Jets, Ltd.
Date
1941
Inventory Number
A19500082000
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Type
PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet)
Materials
Metal
Dimensions
Overall: 161.3 × 121.9 × 111.8cm, 254kg (5 ft. 3 1/2 in. × 4 ft. × 3 ft. 8 in., 560lb.)
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Exhibition
Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19500082000