Frank Whittle's jet engine

Where was the first jet engine tested, in which town/city and in what area of the town/city was it first tested.

As far as I can gather, the engine was developed at BTH Rugby, but later was moved to BTH Lutterworth where it was finally tested - I think!

Hi Normk, according to my 17 year old grandson's question which his school and college taught, it wasn't, it was Coventry - first tested on Hearsall Common.

Hello morgana. According to my research, Whittle gained inspiration on Hearsall Common when a plane landing blew his hat off when he was a young boy.

Thank you for that picture and information Normk. I shall show my grandson, he will be pleased.

So...... is the correct answer Bitteswell?

Germany?

From B.T.H. Reminiscences, Sixty Years of Progress, dated 1946. The book says that the first engine was assembled and tested in April 1937 in the B.T.H. Works. The engine exhibited several defects and extensive modifications were carried out in the design before it was flown in an experimental aircrafit designed and made by the Gloster Aircraft Company. Subsequent evidence from Germany indicated that the Germans started work on a jet propulsion engine at practically the same time as Air Commodore Whittle and that they succeeded in flying with their system of propulsion before the British. The engine used however was not a success and was abandoned. They did not use an engine in quantity until after the successful British flight in May 1941. Quote from the book: "In the midst of all the developments however, it should not be forgotten that all the early experimental work was done, and the first jet engine was built, at the Rugby Works of the B.T.H. Company"

Just saw a clip from 'The One Show' with James Dyson who stated Sir Frank is his greatest hero and inspiration for all his inventions! Additional clip on YouTube.