Which aircraft was powered by the Whittle W.1 engine on May 15, 1941?
Answer
Gloster E.28/39
The culmination of years of intense development, political maneuvering, and technical challenges was realized on May 15, 1941, when the engine designed by Whittle finally took flight. The specific aircraft selected to carry this pioneering propulsion system was the Gloster E.28/39. This test flight marked a crucial watershed moment for Britain, positioning the nation ahead of its German counterparts in achieving sustained jet-powered flight by several months. The engine driving this historic moment was specifically designated the Whittle W.1, serving as proof of concept for the continuous combustion principle over traditional piston engines.
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