The Lutterworth invention that changed the world
Sir Frank Whittle was a key figure who helped transform aviation and air travel.
From an early age, Sir Frank Whittle was fascinated by aviation.
Born in 1907 he attended the RAF college at Cranwell, where he chose as his subject Future Developments in Aircraft Design. In it he explained how in future aircraft would not use propellers, but instead what we now call 'jet' engines.
In the 1930s Whittle continued his work on designs for a jet engine in Lutterworth at his company Power Jets. It was not until the outbreak of war that the British government became involved and an aircraft powered by Whittle's engine was created.
Today he is remembered as a key figure who helped transform aviation and air travel.
BBC Leicester’s Ben Jackson went to meet Tony Hiroms from Lutterworth and District Museum to find out more about Sir Frank Whittle’s life.
Produced by Pete Wardman.
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Archive audio: BBC / Pathe News 1952
Image: Getty Images
