World of Engineering(@engineers_feed):Frank Whittle filed the patent for the jet engine in 1930, aged 22. The Air Ministry reviewed it and concluded: 'The invention does not appear to us to be of sufficient value to justify a further grant.' The patent lapsed. Whittle couldn't afford to renew it. Germany -- having seen the lapsed patent -- developed their own. Whittle's engine finally flew in 1941. Every commercial aircraft flying today uses the principles he patented at 22 -- and the government declined to fund. He was knighted in 1948. He spent his later years in the United States.

2026.08.27 01:58

Frank Whittle filed the patent for the jet engine in 1930, aged 22. The Air Ministry reviewed it and concluded: 'The invention does not appear to us to be of sufficient value to justify a further grant.' The patent lapsed. Whittle couldn't afford to renew it. Germany -- having seen the lapsed patent -- developed their own. Whittle's engine finally flew in 1941. Every commercial aircraft flying today uses the principles he patented at 22 -- and the government declined to fund. He was knighted in 1948. He spent his later years in the United States.

596

Forward to community

Most Popular Users