Institution news
The Sir Frank Whittle jet engine has been awarded the Institution’s 102nd Engineering Heritage Award at a prestigious ceremony held at Cranfield University’s School of Engineering on 8 May.
The ingenious W.2/700 engine is recognised as the predecessor of almost every gas turbine in the world today. Housed in the Whittle Building at Cranfield University, Whittle’s W.2/700 gas turbine engine is one of the earliest versions of the jet engine.
The W.2/700 engine joins an illustrious list of other Engineering Heritage Awards winners, including Alan Turing’s Bombe at Bletchley Park, the E-Type Jaguar and the fastest ever Concorde.
The Institution’s President, Group Captain Mark Hunt OBE, presented the award to Professor Phil John, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Cranfield University.
Mark Hunt said: “This jet engine is the precursor to almost every modern gas turbine. It is no exaggeration to say that Sir Frank Whittle’s invention of the turbojet engine revolutionised air travel, and the world we live in today.
“It is hugely reassuring that the W.2/700 gas turbine engine is so fantastically preserved and displayed by Cranfield University, in a prime location to inspire the Whittles of tomorrow.”
The event included a number of presentations on the history and future of aerospace propulsion, including a lecture by Ian Whittle on his father’s early research and the engineering developments that led to the W.2/700; and a lecture on disruptive propulsion technologies by Cranfield University Emeritus Professor Riti Singh.
Professor Singh, who initiated the case for the award, said: “We are delighted to accept this accolade from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and join the prestigious list of recipients of an Engineering Heritage Award. It is appropriate that a university with such a rich heritage in aerospace engineering should be the keeper of the first turbojet engine.”
From an early age, Sir Frank Whittle demonstrated an aptitude for engineering and flying. His academic and practical abilities as an aircraft apprentice earned him a place on the officer training course at Cranwell. While writing his thesis there he formulated the fundamental concepts that led to the creation of the turbojet engine, taking out a patent on his design in 1930.
This presentation marks the 102nd Engineering Heritage Award. The awards, established in 1984, aim to promote artefacts, sites or landmarks of significant engineering importance, past and present.
Find out more about the
Engineering Heritage Awards to find out more.