Cranfield University’s Frank Whittle jet engine presented with Engineering Heritage Award

Sir Frank Whittle’s W2/700 gas turbine engine, housed in the Whittle Building at Cranfield University, is one of the earliest versions of the jet engine and therefore a predecessor of almost every gas turbine in the world today.

Previous winners of Engineering Heritage Awards include Alan Turing’s Bombe at Bletchley Park, the E-Type Jaguar and the fastest ever Concorde.

The event included a number of presentation and lectures on the history and future of aerospace propulsion, including a lecture by Frank Whittle’s son Ian Whittle. The Award was presented by Group Captain Mark Hunt OBE, President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers to Professor Phil John, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Cranfield University.

Group Captain Mark Hunt OBE, President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, 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 W2/700 gas turbine engine is so fantastically preserved and displayed by Cranfield University, in a prime location to inspire the Whittles of tomorrow.”

Cranfield University’s Professor Riti 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 and was accepted and sent to No. 2 School of Technical Training to join No 1 Squadron of Cranwell Aircraft Apprentices.

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 is the 102^nd Engineering Heritage Award to be presented by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.  The awards, established in 1984, aim to promote artefacts, sites or landmarks of significant engineering importance – past and present.