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Young Frank Whittle with a toy plane

Created to mark the centenary of Sir Frank Whittle's birth (on 1 June 1907) our unique online documentary has extensive input from the inventor's son and people who were colleagues and witnesses to the turbulent and important years when Sir Frank Whittle was developing the jet engine.

Testing Frank Whittle's jet engine

Rare footage shows the dangerous conditions in which engines were tested, with flames shooting 10 meters or more, and original interviews give us surprise insights into the man, his ambition and even his drug addiction.

Fame overnight as secrecy was dropped

The anniversary of his birthday was also marked with the unveiling of a statue of the inventor. Responding to calls to further celebrate this man who changed our lives, Coventry City Council arranged for a statue of Sir Frank Whittle to be erected听 in Millennium Place, standing proudly saluting under The Whittle Arches, the amazing sculptured 'wings' that already bear his name.