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4. Whittle W.1 Jet Engine
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W.1 turbojet engine developed by Frank Whittle transformed aviation by bringing jet propulsion. First tested in 1941, this innovative design combined turbine in a single unit with combustion chambers and centrifugal compressor. New opportunities for high-speed flight arose from the W.1's capacity to generate thrust by jet propulsion instead of propeller-driven power. Though first dubious, Whittle's tenacity produced useful jet engines, so transforming the character of military and civilian aircraft.
