Sir Frank Whittle
Sir Frank Whittle, (1907— ). British aeronautical engineer and RAF officer. He invented the first British jet propulsion unit, which was fitted to the specially constructed Gloster E28/39 and made its maiden flight on 15 May 1941. In 1948 he received a government award of 000,600 for his work. His autobiography Jet: The Story of a Pioneer was published in 1953.